Fast music

[Gadget]

Anyone else find that the repertoir of moves you dance is reduced in relation to the speed of the song you are dancing to?

Point in case: last night I only managed to throw beginner moves together and repeat moves when dancing to a really fast track, however dancing to a fairly slow one I was putting some moves together that flowed nicely, had good variation and crisper leads.
Perhaps my brain can't process the variations and options at high speed?

[Alfie]

Good morning All
No I have the same problem dancing to fast tunes. I've found that any moves that run over more than twelve beats tend to become disjointed and you miss alot of catches. You can slow parts down by not dancing on the half beat but on every other like oldtime rock and roll jive.
Also if it is a really rapid track alot of fast moving spins can't be pleasant for your partner unless she is capable of spinning like a drill.
I know some ladies like lots of spins and twirly bits so I will go and look for a "Fast" women for really quick tunes. As my Dad once told me "Son, you can't beat a fast woman!!"
I've also found that many experienced ladies are quite happy to dance beginner moves to any type of music as long as they are danced with accuracy and a bit of style and flair.
Not that I posses any personally. Any way its only dancing after all. Plus most fast tracks are oldies, most of which are under three minutes long. Hoorah!! to the age of Vynll.
Happy Jivin
Alf

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Gadget
Anyone else find that the repertoir of moves you dance is reduced in relation to the speed of the song you are dancing to?

Point in case: last night I only managed to throw beginner moves together and repeat moves when dancing to a really fast track, however dancing to a fairly slow one I was putting some moves together that flowed nicely, had good variation and crisper leads.
Perhaps my brain can't process the variations and options at high speed?

Absolutely.

When dancing to something that's pretty fast, keep it simple, and keep it small. By small, I mean, take smaller steps and less body movement (for those who do any of that).

Also, remember that you can always 1/2time the music. I'm pretty sure that we've talked about this before on the forum, but don't have time to go look it up. If a track is around 180bpm or above, you can dance every other beat (or every 4th beat if you want to be really technical), and you're then dancing at 90bpm. Which you probably wouldn't want to do for the whole song, but can be used to give you rests at strategic points (when you're too knackered to continue).

Another thing you can do, is make more of the breaks. Most of the really fast tracks that are played have pretty good breaks. Which you can use to get quite a few beats rest - especially if you're dancing with someone who can also use the breaks well.

And lastly, when I want to dance to a fast track, I'll look for someone who I know can keep up. The last thing that you want to do is ask a beginner for a really fast track. Could put them off for life!

Steve

[Gadget]

Good points...

Originally posted by TheTramp
When dancing to something that's pretty fast, keep it simple, and keep it small.

I was advised to dance 'tighter' for more control and a better lead but I also find it very hard to constrain moves with fast music; since the moves are faster, the spins are quicker, catches sharper, etc. - the dynamics involved are greater.
Perhaps my particular 'style'* does not lend it's self to faster music - I need to develop a different way of dancing for this sort of song. {*when I say "style" I really mean the flailing of arms and legs}
I also tend to do very few barriers, stops, push-spins and moves that 'break' the flow of a dance - On thinking a bit more, perhaps I should reverse this trend for the higher BPM tracks? Thoughts?

Also, remember that you can always 1/2time the music.

Only if your partner is also dancing half-time, unless I want to completely dominate the dance. Although I admit that there are sections and various moves that I slow down to half-time for a bit of a breather

Another thing you can do, is make more of the breaks.

Again I find it a lot harder to catch the breaks in time for faster tracks - I end up just 'creating' a break every now & again and just faking it as if the music fits perfectly. :sorry:

And lastly, when I want to dance to a fast track, I'll look for someone who I know can keep up. The last thing that you want to do is ask a beginner for a really fast track.

I really don't think keeping up was as much a problem for my partner as it was for me!!
As to beginners - if you are careful; leading the transitions between moves in half/quarter time, and the occasional body of the move to the faster tempo; then it gives the ladies a chance to actually follow instead of just being flung around.

{BTW I liked the music last night- heard one comment that there was too much slow stuff , and I did notice a lack of 'modern' tracks, but all in all an excellent night of dancing }

[quote]Origionally posted by Alfie
I've also found that many experienced ladies are quite happy to dance beginner moves to any type of music as long as they are danced with accuracy and a bit of style and flair.
..aaaah: that's where I'm going wrong! Actually, sarcasm aside, I think that it's the style and flair that make the move - not the complexity or tangled knot of arms.

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally posted by Gadget
I end up just 'creating' a break every now & again and just faking it as if the music fits perfectly. :sorry:

aaah i thought you meant the music did fit at first - but even if you do put in a fake break its still down to your interpretation so whos to say you're wrong .

I used to prefer dancing to faster music it suited my style, however since I met my current partner my style has changed and my favourite fast tracks like 'mambo no 5' and 'she bangs' are no longer my favourites and i now struggle to dance to them. (fitness maybe has something to do with that too though )

[DavidB]

I usually sit down for the fast songs - I'm getting old!

But if I have no option, I keep it small - short arms, lots of closed-hold moves etc. I don't just do simple moves, but I try to keep my leads well defined, and without any subtlety.

I do a lot of 'barrier' moves to slower music, but not as many when it gets fast. I try to keep the lady's momentum going - I thing that constantly redirecting her must get tiring.

I also do a lot of 'East Coast Swing'-style rock-steps after returns etc when it gets really fast. It just gives both of us a fraction longer to get settled.

But sitting down is still easier...

[Dreadful Scathe]

Originally posted by DavidB
But sitting down is still easier...

remember David, "you're only as old as the woman you feel"

[Chicklet]

Originally posted by Dreadful Scathe
remember David, "you're only as old as the woman you feel"

But maybee DAvid's point is that he can feel them just as well sitting down???

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Gadget
Good points...
{BTW I liked the music last night- heard one comment that there was too much slow stuff , and I did notice a lack of 'modern' tracks, but all in all an excellent night of dancing }

Can talk to you about the fast dancing thing next Tuesday if you want. I don't have time to answer all of what you said right now (am about to move into a flat in Dundee. Yay. ).

Regarding the music. Will be still trying to work out exactly what sort of thing Aberdeen people like over the next few weeks. Just so that I can play a lot of old and slow stuff and chase them all away

Most of the tracks I played on Tuesday were released fairly recently. Even the swing stuff was mostly all 'new' swing (Swingerhead, Indigo Swing, The Swing Session are all 1990's onwards). If anyone wants to discuss the music played though (or make a request), please direct them to me. If I don't know what people are asking for, then I can't play it (if it's appropriate for dancing).

Steve

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Gadget
I also tend to do very few barriers, stops, push-spins and moves that 'break' the flow of a dance - On thinking a bit more, perhaps I should reverse this trend for the higher BPM tracks?

I agree with David, keep the barriers for the slower stuff, as it is harder to be subtle to a fast track, you need to flow with the momentum rather than break it.
One thing that Nigel often says about dancing to fast music is that you should lighten the lead, not make it stronger which is the usual temptation, difficult, but this does go along with making the moves tighter. He also advises slowing down a move by putting some extra steps in, e.g. in a first move after you swing the lady out to your side, step in close - facing each other, swing back out, in, out, etc. until you regain your compsure.

He teaches this sort of stuff with music at around 200bpm plus! (Mambo no. 5 is 174.)

Greg

[Gadget]

Originally posted by Sheepman
I agree with David, keep the barriers for the slower stuff, as it is harder to be subtle to a fast track, you need to flow with the momentum rather than break it.

I found that putting these 'stop' moves in is one sure way to slow the momentum of the lady from accelerating too far. It's also a not very subtle way to start a 'break' since I find subtle leads get lost in the malstrom.

One thing that Nigel often says about dancing to fast music is that you should lighten the lead, not make it stronger which is the usual temptation, difficult, but this does go along with making the moves tighter.

I'm not sure that I understand the concept of 'lightening the lead' properly; you can't have a really strong lead to dance to fast music, otherwise one or other of you would end up with renched shoulders and arms - a very light lead will be too light to direct where you want the lady to go and she will end up leading you.

He also advises slowing down a move by putting some extra steps in, e.g. in a first move after you swing the lady out to your side, step in close - facing each other, swing back out, in, out, etc. until you regain your compsure.

Similar, but I sometimes 'bounce' moves for two or three repetitions just because it gives me time to work out what to do next rather than any 'slowing down' or 'style' tactic.

One thing that I think makes all the difference in fast moves is accurate body position - I wish I could get it right; I'm either too close and bumping/treding on toes or too far away and catching straight armed... practice I suppose

[Sandy]

Originally posted by TheTramp
Most of the tracks I played on Tuesday were released fairly recently. Steve

Steve what was the 2nd last track you played on Tuesday, something about a car?? Adam played it at the Sunday workshop recently to demonstrating breaks. It's a fabulous track but don't know what it's called???

Sandy

[Sheepman]

Originally posted by Gadget
you can't have a really strong lead to dance to fast music, otherwise one or other of you would end up with renched shoulders and arms

I think this is probably Nigel's point, but many guys don't get it. He is emphasising that you should be conscious of not getting too heavy.

Greg

[TheTramp]

Originally posted by Sandy
Steve what was the 2nd last track you played on Tuesday, something about a car?? Adam played it at the Sunday workshop recently to demonstrating breaks. It's a fabulous track but don't know what it's called???

Sandy

It's called 'Fire' by Des'ree and Babyface. And as discussed in another thread somewhere, it's probably my current favourite track to dance to.

Now that I'm DJing on Saturday at the Aberdeen party, you'll probably have to put up with it sometime then.

But I do promise not to overplay it.

Got some tracks planned for playing on Saturday that you've almost certainly not heard before. I hope that you (all) enjoy them

Steve

[xSalsa_Angelx]

Sounds good steve, will see you there then,

my dance partner is not going
my boyfriend is coming along, but not the easiest of people to dance with, depends how much cider he has thrown down his neck

Should be a good night,..!!!

[Graham]

Originally posted by xSalsa_Angelx
my boyfriend is coming along, but not the easiest of people to dance with, depends how much cider he has thrown down his neck

I'm sure Steve can cope with anyone.......

[Sandy]

Originally posted by TheTramp
It's called 'Fire' by Des'ree and Babyface. And as discussed in another thread somewhere, it's probably my current favourite track to dance to.

Now that I'm DJing on Saturday at the Aberdeen party, you'll probably have to put up with it sometime then.

Steve

Oh brilliant, can't get enough of it!

Sandy

[cerocmetro]

Steve what are you doing??

i will not recognise the place when I come up in August, I was looking forward to 007 theme music and the wombles? loads of breaks, usually to the bar.

Franck I love your music

The trouble is with great tracks like Fire, we will over play them and then they make you want to reach for the extinguisher.

See you soon Steve

Adam

[Sandy]

Originally posted by cerocmetro

The trouble is with great tracks like Fire, we will over play them and then they make you want to reach for the extinguisher.

Adam

oh my god, someone with worse jokes than me!

Take the point though! But Steve, please play this track for a bit longer at least as I LOVE it

Sandy

[Stuart M]

Originally posted by cerocmetro
Franck I love your music

Hey, I though the "Things you never hear at a Ceroc night" thread finished ages ago...

Just kidding Franck

Keeping the moves simple is definitely the thing for fast tracks - although not every simple move is necessarily a good fast move. Half-windmill is supposedly a basic move, but not really advisable for Mambo No 5.

Another thing which helps is doing more movement as the lead, would anyone agree? I think if the guy positions himself correctly for the lady when she comes out of spins/returns, instead of relying on her to spot, it makes things a lot easier for all.