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What I would like is a sort of "reverse lead" where the women are able to indicate (signal?) to the men when they want to improvise. Some women already do it up to a point, but I reckon it could be developed more.
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I would be interested to hear from women who do a lot of improvising and from the men who "lead" them.
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Franck
I think it would be safe to say that I do quite a lot of improvisation - particulary in blues which probebly one of my favorite dance styles. It is definatley easier with a partner you know because you become very familiar with their body signals. I do sometimes take the initiative and introdue a impro with a partner who does not lead it, but am very concious that they may not approve, it usually only happens when a particular record comes on and you are very aware that there are some really good breaks in it and really want to use them.
I became used to improvisation because one of my first regular dance partners in Edinburgh ( snake hips brian) introduced me to it and I discovered how much fun it could be. The work shops I have attended on musicality, blues, interpretation, lead and follow, and importantly dancing with men from all over Britian who do encourage the lady to shine a little have all been really helpful to me in understanding it and building my confidence - which to those who know me personally will know its not that great - but I am working on it!!!.
If I am looking for a prompt to go into some improvisation if it is not a particular move which we both know includes it I guess I take my cue from the mans body language - somtime a very slight hesiation or eye contact on his part seems to do the trick,also if the man is standing still then it seems a very natural cue. This is just personal and other ladies may disagree with me and have other cues.
It would be really useful if the ladies could have hand signal which we could give to cue and impro, but the main thing is to understand the music and when to do it. There never seems to be enough time in the usual ceroc classes for the teachers to talk about improvisation and breaks which is a shame as it could help spread the habit.
and it is so much fun
fran