Dancing with beginners

Ronde! · 3rd-January-2003, 10:39 PM

Are there any other intermediates out there that actively try to dance with the new beginners? I really enjoy helping people get over that initial worry that they "can't do this" -- there's a real rush from seeing a newbie grin as you recombine their six known moves into their first freestyle dance.

I remember when I started a couple of the ladies helped me this way. I stepped on their toes, I crashed into them, twisted their arms and was constantly apologising, and they somehow tolerated me (and of course, now they're among my very bestest friends!)

TheTramp · 3rd-January-2003, 11:24 PM

I like dancing with beginners. Not all the time admittedly, but I certainly ask some at times. And I'd never turn anyone down based purely on their dancing ability (unless there's a pain factor involved here).

Wouldn't be much of a teacher if I didn't like working with beginners, would I

Steve

Sandy · 9th-July-2003, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ronde!
Are there any other intermediates out there that actively try to dance with the new beginners?

Hi there

I do dance with beginners but not often enough. It isn't deliberate but usually it is very busy and before you know it the night is over and you haven't asked anyone new to dance and as beginners feel a bit nervous about asking intermediates I don't get asked that often (am I scary??). It is always nice to dance with new people anyway and I have vivid memories of being a beginner so know how scary it is and how important it is to dance with nice, friendly, helpful intermediate dancers.

Definitely going to make a point of dancing with more beginners.

Sandy

**Beowulf** · 10th-July-2003, 09:39 AM

I've noticed in My class that there's a lot a intermediate to advanced dancers who gladly take up beginner females for a dance.

However as a male beginner (and a poor one at that) I do not feel confident in (a) Asking a more experienced woman

up to dance or (b) Leading her if I did!

I have noticed however that a lot of experienced female dancers seem to pick out the more experienced male dancers. I can't say I blame them, as the male leads the dance a female beginner can join in even if she doesn't know the moves and learn perhaps something new. What's an experienced female dancer going to get from me (apart from sore feet?) She might get bored of my extensive repertoire of..erm.. 5 1/2 moves!

I'm just to darn shy to ask anyone up! Watching dancing just isn't the same

**Chicklet** · 10th-July-2003, 10:11 AM

I'm hardly "experienced" but am always flattered and pleased if (just about) ANY man asks me to dance.

But it can be difficult, this has been discussed elsewhere but I'll comment cos I have an example to relate from last night.

A chap asked me to dance and I know he has only been dancing for a couple of months. He rarely smiles at the best of times and says very little, which makes it all the more difficult when my instinct is to interact and encourage and "help" if there is something I can point out or suggest etc.

anyway...this guy kept grabbing my LEFT hand and trying to put me into moves that are ~normally~ led by the right and so I was all over the place over balancing and not turning well etc
Once I figured out what he was doing I tried to keep my left hand behind my back and present the right with a smile and a flourish but I'm sure he thought I was useless!!!

So what's a girl to do with a guy like that?

This is probably going to be the wrong place to ask (unless teachers can advise) because the guys who are going to post on here are all likely to be the ones who would LIKE the guidance on the night if they did something like that "wrongly" and would take it in and probably not make the mistake again but with someone who seemed so uncommunicative I felt like I just had to grin and bear it.

I suppose for you B1970 it's going to be a case of suck it and see, I'm SURE you will find friendly experienced women who are delighted to dance your 5 1/2 moves and would be equally delighted to suggest and teach another or a variation to help you along, especially if you are as enthusiastic as you seem to be because at the end of the day (or year maybe) today's beginner is tomorrows BTC!!! and we would all do well to remember that!

Yes, I would have to be honest and say I do like to choose to dance with good guys, so I can learn and improve and be challenged by a variety of moves (G-man, I WILL get that sit thing next time!!!!) and because I personally will dance much better feeding off the good lead. So in summary, it's like so many other things in life and it's all about getting the balance right IMHO.

Cx

**Chicklet** · 10th-July-2003, 10:19 AM

just thought of another thing - if you feel shy at freestyle time, keep talking to the women during the class, I'm sure you will be able to tell by the way they respond and or smile and act friendly if you would like to dance with them so why not say there and then, would you try this again with me later?

If things go well for you with some women during the class, tell them! It's an old one but flattery will probably get you quite a long way!!!

And hopefully it will do your confidence about asking the world of good if you have a couple "lined up" before the freestyle starts!

C

**Beowulf** · 10th-July-2003, 11:32 AM

Chicklet. Thanks for that. I should "Suck-it-and-see" as you say but I'm a real wall-flower :sorry

I do have to ask though... you say

Quote:

today's beginner is tomorrows BTC!

What's a BTC??

Bloody Terrific Ceroc'er?

TLA's!! Scourge of the Internet Generation!

CJ · 10th-July-2003, 11:50 AM

BTC: as covered in lots of threads is better than chocolate. It refers to Bill's dark smouldering smooth dancing skills. Not unlike a good bit of Green and Black's, I'm told.

I hate to say this, but Chickie is right. Granted, you feel shy. BUT, it's your call. You can stay shy, and not improve. OR you can bite the bullet, ask some girls to dance (WHO WERE BEGINNERS ONCE, TOO) and improve no end.

Every guy on this forum, who isn't still a beginner was once. And that said, even the intermediates/advanced are still learning.

Yes, it is difficult having the confidence to, basically, ask someone if they would like to spend the nect 3 minutes repeating the same 5 1/2 moves in an improving manner but we've ALL done it.

Please believe me when I say the benefits COMPLETELY outweigh the current discomfort.

**Beowulf** · 10th-July-2003, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ceroc Jock
BTC: Not unlike a good bit of Green and Black's, I'm told

Wow !! He must be good.. the best I could hope for in my wildest dreams is Lindt 70% .. I'll be lucky if I get to Cadbury bournville though!

But Green and Blacks Orgasmic.. sorry.. Organic chocolate !

**Graham** · 10th-July-2003, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ceroc Jock
Yes, it is difficult having the confidence to, basically, ask someone if they would like to spend the nect 3 minutes repeating the same 5 1/2 moves in an improving manner but we've ALL done it.

Hate to be pedantic (

), but if you performed 5 1/2 moves, you wouldn't be in a position to repeat, unless the 1/2 move got you to the same hold that the first move started on, in which case it would be a valid move in its own right anyway, making 6 moves.

Anyway, CJ and Chicklet have given you the advice you need, and I can only add that the way you feel is very common, but the vast majority of good female dancers will be very understanding (but don't ask them lots of times on the same night).

If anyone encounters the problem Chicklet did, you could always point out that something didn't quite feel right, and ask if he'd mind going and asking a taxi or teacher so you could find out what you (not him) were doing wrong. Of course, having got him there, the taxi/teacher will correct whatever either of you is doing wrong.

CJ · 10th-July-2003, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Graham
Hate to be pedantic ( ), but if you performed 5 1/2 moves, you wouldn't be in a position to repeat, .

Graham, there is nothing worse than an inaccurate pedant.

Of course you can repeat: whether you can segue your 5 1/2 moves together in time to the music, particularly as a beginner, is a completely different matter and, no, I don't think this is achievable.

All of which brings me to the question: is the travelling return a move in it's own right??

**Graham** · 10th-July-2003, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ceroc Jock
Of course you can repeat: whether you can segue your 5 1/2 moves together in time to the music, particularly as a beginner, is a completely different matter and, no, I don't think this is achievable.

Good point. I was forgetting not everyone found this an essential requirement.

**Gadget** · 10th-July-2003, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ceroc Jock
Of course you can repeat: whether you can segue your 5 1/2 moves together in time to the music, particularly as a beginner, is a completely different matter and, no, I don't think this is achievable.

But surley it depends on how many beats each move is over? if the half move is over 4/6/8... beats, then you could easily repeat and keep time.

Quote:

All of which brings me to the question: is the travelling return a move in it's own right??

dam straight it is! If a comb and a short comb are classed as different moves, then a return, traveling return (swapping places), traveling return (keeping parallell) and traveling return (while moving around the lady) should all be different moves.

Sandy · 11th-July-2003, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Beowulf1970
Chicklet. Thanks for that. I should "Suck-it-and-see" as you say but I'm a real wall-flower :sorry

OK Beowulf, let's have a dance

Don't know who you are but I see you come under "Aberdeen" so if you go to the Tuesday class at Peterculter ask for Sandy and let's go dance! Can't promise BTC but will do my best!

Sandy

**Beowulf** · 11th-July-2003, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sandy
Don't know who you are but I see you come under "Aberdeen"

I do indeed, and Tuesday Night Peterculter is my venue. What do I look like? erm.. if you know Gadget, then just look for the guy who looks like him! That'll be me. Am often mistaken for his brother. Suppose it's better than being mistaken for him!

Sorry, Gadge. I'm sure the converse applies too!

Doesn't matter if you're not BTC.. as long as you're BTP (Better than Pete) That's great!

Best Regards

Pete. (I wasn't christened Beowulf.. unlike Gadget!

)

**Beowulf** · 11th-July-2003, 10:15 AM

Or someone who looks kinda like this!

**Gadget** · 11th-July-2003, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sandy
Don't know who you are ...

...as above, but he missed out the ugly shirts

**Dreadful Scathe** · 11th-July-2003, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Beowulf1970
Or someone who looks kinda like this!

hang on that IS Gadget. whats going on ?!

View Poll Results: Which statement best describes how you feel about dancing with Ceroc beginners?
Can't get enough, show me the newbies!	15	17.65%
Quite often, I ask beginners to dance	55	64.71%
I'll dance with a beginner, but only if asked	13	15.29%
I'd really rather not dance with beginners	2	2.35%
Voters: 85. You may not vote on this poll \| Withdraw Vote

3rd-January-2003, 10:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ronde! Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 122 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 40	Dancing with beginners Are there any other intermediates out there that actively try to dance with the new beginners? I really enjoy helping people get over that initial worry that they "can't do this" -- there's a real rush from seeing a newbie grin as you recombine their six known moves into their first freestyle dance. I remember when I started a couple of the ladies helped me this way. I stepped on their toes, I crashed into them, twisted their arms and was constantly apologising, and they somehow tolerated me (and of course, now they're among my very bestest friends!)

10th-July-2003, 09:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
Beowulf Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Posts: 7,026 Rep Power: 5 Reputation Total: 1737	I've noticed in My class that there's a lot a intermediate to advanced dancers who gladly take up beginner females for a dance. However as a male beginner (and a poor one at that) I do not feel confident in (a) Asking a more experienced woman up to dance or (b) Leading her if I did! I have noticed however that a lot of experienced female dancers seem to pick out the more experienced male dancers. I can't say I blame them, as the male leads the dance a female beginner can join in even if she doesn't know the moves and learn perhaps something new. What's an experienced female dancer going to get from me (apart from sore feet?) She might get bored of my extensive repertoire of..erm.. 5 1/2 moves! I'm just to darn shy to ask anyone up! Watching dancing just isn't the same __________________ "Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth"

10th-July-2003, 11:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
CJ Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fife. Posts: 4,983 Rep Power: 6 Reputation Total: 1744	Absolutely Everybody BTC: as covered in lots of threads is better than chocolate. It refers to Bill's dark smouldering smooth dancing skills. Not unlike a good bit of Green and Black's, I'm told. I hate to say this, but Chickie is right. Granted, you feel shy. BUT, it's your call. You can stay shy, and not improve. OR you can bite the bullet, ask some girls to dance (WHO WERE BEGINNERS ONCE, TOO) and improve no end. Every guy on this forum, who isn't still a beginner was once. And that said, even the intermediates/advanced are still learning. Yes, it is difficult having the confidence to, basically, ask someone if they would like to spend the nect 3 minutes repeating the same 5 1/2 moves in an improving manner but we've ALL done it. Please believe me when I say the benefits COMPLETELY outweigh the current discomfort. __________________ Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. www.readitandweep.net Risk more than others think safe; dream more than others think practical; care more than others think wise; desire more than others think possible.. ... then the Universe is yours.

11th-July-2003, 10:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
Beowulf Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Posts: 7,026 Rep Power: 5 Reputation Total: 1737	Or someone who looks kinda like this! __________________ "Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth"

3rd-January-2003, 11:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheTramp The Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 10,470 Rep Power: 6 Reputation Total: 1692	I like dancing with beginners. Not all the time admittedly, but I certainly ask some at times. And I'd never turn anyone down based purely on their dancing ability (unless there's a pain factor involved here). Wouldn't be much of a teacher if I didn't like working with beginners, would I Steve

10th-July-2003, 10:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
Chicklet Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Glasgow Posts: 2,430 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 407	I'm hardly "experienced" but am always flattered and pleased if (just about) ANY man asks me to dance. But it can be difficult, this has been discussed elsewhere but I'll comment cos I have an example to relate from last night. A chap asked me to dance and I know he has only been dancing for a couple of months. He rarely smiles at the best of times and says very little, which makes it all the more difficult when my instinct is to interact and encourage and "help" if there is something I can point out or suggest etc. anyway...this guy kept grabbing my LEFT hand and trying to put me into moves that are ~normally~ led by the right and so I was all over the place over balancing and not turning well etc Once I figured out what he was doing I tried to keep my left hand behind my back and present the right with a smile and a flourish but I'm sure he thought I was useless!!! So what's a girl to do with a guy like that? This is probably going to be the wrong place to ask (unless teachers can advise) because the guys who are going to post on here are all likely to be the ones who would LIKE the guidance on the night if they did something like that "wrongly" and would take it in and probably not make the mistake again but with someone who seemed so uncommunicative I felt like I just had to grin and bear it. I suppose for you B1970 it's going to be a case of suck it and see, I'm SURE you will find friendly experienced women who are delighted to dance your 5 1/2 moves and would be equally delighted to suggest and teach another or a variation to help you along, especially if you are as enthusiastic as you seem to be because at the end of the day (or year maybe) today's beginner is tomorrows BTC!!! and we would all do well to remember that! Yes, I would have to be honest and say I do like to choose to dance with good guys, so I can learn and improve and be challenged by a variety of moves (G-man, I WILL get that sit thing next time!!!!) and because I personally will dance much better feeding off the good lead. So in summary, it's like so many other things in life and it's all about getting the balance right IMHO. Cx

10th-July-2003, 10:19 AM	#6 (permalink)
Chicklet Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Glasgow Posts: 2,430 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 407	just thought of another thing - if you feel shy at freestyle time, keep talking to the women during the class, I'm sure you will be able to tell by the way they respond and or smile and act friendly if you would like to dance with them so why not say there and then, would you try this again with me later? If things go well for you with some women during the class, tell them! It's an old one but flattery will probably get you quite a long way!!! And hopefully it will do your confidence about asking the world of good if you have a couple "lined up" before the freestyle starts! C

11th-July-2003, 10:18 AM	#19 (permalink)
Beowulf Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Posts: 7,026 Rep Power: 5 Reputation Total: 1737