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Gary · 3rd-March-2004, 12:41 AM

I'm going to start teaching beginner revision/consolidation/freestyle classes soon. I'd like to be able to hand out a short list of tips for guys getting started with MJ. I'd appreciate feedback on what I've got so far. I'm obviously leaving out lots and generalising wildly, but I'm wanting to keep the list short, in the hopes of not overwhelming the guys (any more than they already are). It's mostly based on taking what I've heard girls complain about, and turning those things around into positives.

Anyway, here it is:

Gary's Tips for Guys

1. Protect your partner! If she gets bumped, stepped on, or dropped, it is your fault. Be alert, be careful.

2. Remember hygiene. Shower before class. Bring spare shirts, towel. Use toothbrush/mints/whatever. Wash and dry your hands after using the bathroom.

3. Smile, relax, have fun. Even if you're not relaxed or having fun, smile.

4. Take responsibility. You're leading -- if a move doesn't work, it's your fault. Get help (from the girl or a teacher) on how to lead it better. Concentrate on your leading, don't try to teach the girl what she "should" be doing.

5. Find the beat. Practice every time you hear music. Find the on-beat/off-beat. Learn where you are in the 8-count.

6. Hang in there. The first six to ten weeks are very challenging. It gets lots easier. Aim to learn one move each week. With six moves, you can freestyle.

7. Get feedback. Ask "how's my tension? did that feel awkward? too rough? too unclear?". Don't get offended or defensive (or you won't get any more feedback). If she thinks it was too rough, it was too rough. Always get at least one dance with the dance guide, and ask for feedback.

8. Practice lots. You need repetition to get moves into muscle memory. If you don't know many moves, just practice the ones you know. If you dance one song each with every girl in the room, you've gotten lots of practice and not bored anyone too much. If you follow tips 1-5, girls won't mind (for one song) that you don't know many moves.

9. Write moves down. Look over the list occasionally. Before dancing choose the move(s) you'll work on in freestyle ("I'll practice the Pretzel this week"). Beginner videos/DVDs can be fantastic when you know moves but need to be reminded of them.

10. Don't be too timid. Some moves require good contact through the body. If you're concentrating on the dance, the girl will know. If you're feeling sleazy, leave now, go to a bar or something.

11. Help beginners. Remember how grateful you are now to intermediate/advanced girls who help you by dancing with you. Return the favour by dancing (gently) with beginner girls once you're a rockstar dancer (and while you're on the way).

12. (Advanced tip): Listen to the music. Make your moves/styling/timing fit in with what the music is saying. It'll be at least a few months before you have enough space in your head to think about this, but start listening to what the music is suggesting as soon as you can.

3rd-March-2004, 12:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Gary Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sydney, Australia. A _long_ way from Scotland. Posts: 340 Rep Power: 3	Tips for (beginner) Guys I'm going to start teaching beginner revision/consolidation/freestyle classes soon. I'd like to be able to hand out a short list of tips for guys getting started with MJ. I'd appreciate feedback on what I've got so far. I'm obviously leaving out lots and generalising wildly, but I'm wanting to keep the list short, in the hopes of not overwhelming the guys (any more than they already are). It's mostly based on taking what I've heard girls complain about, and turning those things around into positives. Anyway, here it is: Gary's Tips for Guys 1. Protect your partner! If she gets bumped, stepped on, or dropped, it is your fault. Be alert, be careful. 2. Remember hygiene. Shower before class. Bring spare shirts, towel. Use toothbrush/mints/whatever. Wash and dry your hands after using the bathroom. 3. Smile, relax, have fun. Even if you're not relaxed or having fun, smile. 4. Take responsibility. You're leading -- if a move doesn't work, it's your fault. Get help (from the girl or a teacher) on how to lead it better. Concentrate on your leading, don't try to teach the girl what she "should" be doing. 5. Find the beat. Practice every time you hear music. Find the on-beat/off-beat. Learn where you are in the 8-count. 6. Hang in there. The first six to ten weeks are very challenging. It gets lots easier. Aim to learn one move each week. With six moves, you can freestyle. 7. Get feedback. Ask "how's my tension? did that feel awkward? too rough? too unclear?". Don't get offended or defensive (or you won't get any more feedback). If she thinks it was too rough, it was too rough. Always get at least one dance with the dance guide, and ask for feedback. 8. Practice lots. You need repetition to get moves into muscle memory. If you don't know many moves, just practice the ones you know. If you dance one song each with every girl in the room, you've gotten lots of practice and not bored anyone too much. If you follow tips 1-5, girls won't mind (for one song) that you don't know many moves. 9. Write moves down. Look over the list occasionally. Before dancing choose the move(s) you'll work on in freestyle ("I'll practice the Pretzel this week"). Beginner videos/DVDs can be fantastic when you know moves but need to be reminded of them. 10. Don't be too timid. Some moves require good contact through the body. If you're concentrating on the dance, the girl will know. If you're feeling sleazy, leave now, go to a bar or something. 11. Help beginners. Remember how grateful you are now to intermediate/advanced girls who help you by dancing with you. Return the favour by dancing (gently) with beginner girls once you're a rockstar dancer (and while you're on the way). *12. (Advanced tip):* Listen to the music.** Make your moves/styling/timing fit in with what the music is saying. It'll be at least a few months before you have enough space in your head to think about this, but start listening to what the music is suggesting as soon as you can.