Quote:
Originally posted by TheTramp
Actually, that's not quite true. I did once join a class as a follower (there were lots of men over *gasp*). And it was quite funny, watching some of the men count ahead, and drop out when they realised that they were about to get me as a partner  |
Even in Brighton we can't be a follower and do moving on in a lesson. Some guys just don't like it
But I often swap with a woman that can lead during the lesson and I've occasionally been fixed partners with a woman or man and take it in turns to be leader/follower.
Quote:
Originally posted by TheTramp
It's in freestyle that I sometimes dance with another bloke (Or two. Or three  ). Usually just for a bit of fun. It's quite nice sometimes to have a change. There's quite a lot of guys up in Scotland who'll give that a go - Franck, Brady, James, DS to name a few - and Bill who'll even dress the part 
Steve |
I've been Steve's partner loads of times. We even came 4th in Double Trouble in Blackpool with Rob Coward. It's a great laugh to dance with another man. And, more importantly, you learn a lot by following and when you actually have it done to you, you can get a much better idea of what men are doing that you aren't.
On the subject of getting past a plateau I've been there loads of times. You feel like you're learning nothing new and not making any progress. I've found doing all the lessons, including the beginners, has made a difference. Also, going to other classes like Hipsters introduces new ideas about lead and follow and musicality. And I get new moves - probably more than I can remember
The other thing I've found about a plateau is that it isn't really flat. You're making progress, it's just that you don't notice it. Only the day before yesterday one of my frequent partners said I'd changed the way I lead - I had no idea. I also didn't have the guts to ask if the change was for the better