Quote:
Originally posted by horsey_dude
So my question is should we use signals at all? |
Aaah, the age old question of signals!
I am surprised it has not been discussed already in here, so thank you for bringing it up.
Many people have already answered that it is not easy to define what a signal is exactly. In my view, offering a spare hand is not a signal, but a necessary part of the move, however, when you start offering the hand in 'odd' ways, behind the back, behind the head, or with the arm in an 'L' shape, you start to blur the line with signals.
My personal view is that I would rather not have any signals at all, but that for Beginners, they are a necessary evil
Leading clearly is probably what matters most, and as mentioned earlier in the thread, signals can lead to more misunderstandings than they are worth. In particular, I resent signals for Drops / Dips and other dangerous moves... Those might be ok with a regular partner, so that you can do a semi-choreographed routine, and add some really spectacular moves (say at the Champs for example), but if those signals are taught in a class, then you get into dangerous waters, where a follower might read an innocent hand gesture as the signal to a drop, and result in potential injury
On the other hand, signals
do help Beginners, making them focus and giving them something to do, as well as pick up the moves faster and give them an inkling of what leading is about, making them think in advance and prepare for the next move etc...
From a woman/follower's perspective, I suspect they can be a big help as well, not all men lead very clearly most of the time, and I expect seeing a signal, can be quite a relief sometimes...
Franck.