Frustrated by your knowledge?

[ducasi]

After determining that many forumites know lots of other dances, I wonder... Do you find that your knowledge of other dance style means that you are often frustrated?

I've come across dancers at Ceroc/MJ events desperately searching for other folks who can dance, e.g. WCS or Cha Cha, when an appropriate track comes on. Often they just end up dancing Modern Jive, as they are asked by someone who doesn't know the dance they would have liked to dance.

I know that it can be frustrating to be the only MJ dancer in a room of "muggle" dancers...

But does knowing more dance forms increase this frustration?

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by ducasi

............ many forumites know lots of other dances.......r... Do you find that your knowledge of other dance style means that you are often frustrated?

West Coast Swing is the most frustrating - I have been trying to learn it for about 7 years now but have still not improved further than beginner/improver because when a good WCS type track comes on, so I can practise there are no WCS leads available

It is so upsetting as modern day DJs are playing lots of yummy music that is perfect for WCS and you can still have a good MJ dance it - and even when you get the right partner (eg: David Barker) you think :

(1) OK to bad WCS Dance (because I am thinking too hard)
or
(2) Great MJ dance

I can't say the same for Lindy or Salsa, as if I wish to improve in those areas there are many dances / weekenders I could go to with my Lindy/Salsa friends

[Msfab]

Yes, its a little frustrating not finding a partner for a particular style/song - but I suppose as long as im dancing to the track its not that big a deal. There seems to be more followers of different dance styles than leads and so this reduces the chances of finding an appropriate partner for a style (Im talking about down my way)

May we should wear the lists of dances we can do, thereby making it easier to spot who can do what?

[clevedonboy]

I'm lucky to have a lovely partner. We dance much of the evening together so we can dance whatever style takes our fancy - I need a few more WCS lessons before that comes into the repertoire regularly

[Msfab]

Originally Posted by clevedonboy

I'm lucky to have a lovely partner. We dance much of the evening together so we can dance whatever style takes our fancy - I need a few more WCS lessons before that comes into the repertoire regularly

I am very pleased for you both!
But this is one of those things that add to my frustration and why I dont get the chance to practice those other dance styles ive learnt.

[Andreas]

I am only frustrated if the track is a particularly beautiful one. But in most of those cases I manage to coax the lady into giving it a try. Even a shakey Rumba, ChaCha, Salsa etc. is better than none.

[Lory]

Originally Posted by ducasi

I wonder... Do you find that your knowledge of other dance style means that you are often frustrated?

Once you've learnt the appropriate dance styles for different types of music, it's fun to use them. So yes, it can get a little frustrating if I miss out on the limited oportunities we get in an evening.

[Sparkles]

Originally Posted by Andreas

I am only frustrated if the track is a particularly beautiful one. But in most of those cases I manage to coax the lady into giving it a try. Even a shakey Rumba, ChaCha, Salsa etc. is better than none.

You ever want to Rumba, Cha cha or Salsa... come and find me

[MartinHarper]

Often-times a song will come on, and I'll think "ooh - I really want to dance this song with X" - maybe because of speed, tempo, style, and so forth. I'm sure it's the same for you. Lindy vs MJ can be one reason for this, but it's far from the only one.

[spindr]

Not sure I ever dance a single style now -- the brain's so mixed up I generally end up leading some salsa, MJ, WCS, lindy, cha' combo'. If you're lucky might even get some polka

SpinDr

[ducasi]

So, given the frustration... Is it better not to know? Ignorance being bliss, and all that?

[Tessalicious]

Originally Posted by Sparkles

You ever want to Rumba, Cha cha or Salsa... come and find me

Or me (either of you)!

[Andreas]

I'll have both then

[MartinHarper]

Originally Posted by ducasi

So, given the frustration... Is it better not to know?

It's better to know.
You sound like you're looking for an excuse to avoid learning other dances...

[ducasi]

Originally Posted by MartinHarper

It's better to know.
You sound like you're looking for an excuse to avoid learning other dances...

No, at least, I don't think so...

It reminds me of the problem often talked about here where as you become a better (MJ) dancer, and you become exposed to a greater variety of music, it can become harder to get the same pleasure out of dancing without a high enough standard of dancer and the right music.

It's an issue, but I wouldn't try to not be a better dancer for fear of becoming a hot-shot (though some might say it's too late! )

I'm not going to avoid learning other dances, but I wonder... at what cost?

Already a hot-shot, will I turn into a dance snob too?

[frodo]

Originally Posted by ducasi

...But does knowing more dance forms increase this frustration?

I'd think so, primarily as there are so many opportunities to dance MJ and relatively few for other styles.

Not a frustration thing, but variety at a dance can in general be just plain pleasant.

[Mary]

In answer to the original question, yes it can be very frustrating. But if I end up dancing with someone who can sense a different dance style in the music being played and adjust accordingly even though they are still dancing, effectively, MJ, then I can really enjoy the dance.

If someone is willing to make the effort then I can enjoy the dance enormously. I just hope the same goes for those who are very adept at other dance styles where I am just a beginner and they try and lead me.

M

[foxylady]

Originally Posted by Sparkles

You ever want to Rumba, Cha cha or Salsa... come and find me

or me....

[Andreas]

Isn't it great to be a guy these days? So much choice