| Dancing 'big' and 'small'
Too many modern jive dancers seem to think ther only way to dance is to make everything (steps, leads, movements etc) as big as possible all the time. I think this is influenced by the teachers - they tend to demonstrate everything being 'big' to make sure the people at the back of the class can see.
We also get used to being crowded at either side, because we always learn in long lines. But at the same time we expect there to be room behind us, because the lines are not that close together.
So when you get a room full of beginners and intermediate dancers, they dance big and never look over their shoulder! It does make everything a bit too phyisical.
If you are on a crowded dance floor, just try shortening your arm (by bending your elbow - surgery is a bit too drastic). Keep it bent throughout the dance - never go to full extension. You will still be able to do every step you want, and should now have enough room to dance. It has other benefits - it looks better, makes it easier to lead, and it gives you another option when you hit a break.
Alex |