Going Solo?

[Gav]

OK, so I'm starting to feel comfortable dancing with a partner and I'm alright bouncing along in a big crowd at a nightclub , but I see the really smooth dancers often separate from their partners and strut their stuff for a few seconds on their own, before joining up again.
The question is, is it just down to confidence?
or is it something you can learn?
If so, where do you go to learn it?

TIA.

[ducasi]

I do this occasionally – but it's usually only the result of error!

That said, recently I'm finding it easier to cope "going it alone" without panicking and rushing back into the comforting arms of my partner.

I think it's both confidence, and having a clue what you can do "solo".

As for learning – simply watch what other people do.

[Minnie M]

.............As for learning – simply watch what other people do.

I learn lots and lots watching others

[angelique]

Watch and learn, then try and do.

Don't matter cos nothing's "wrong". Dancing and interpretation is a personal thing and because of such, can only be "right".

[Gav]

Watch and learn, then try and do.

Don't matter cos nothing's "wrong". Dancing and interpretation is a personal thing and because of such, can only be "right".

Ah, good in theory, but from what I've seen already one person's "right" looks good while anothers could looks pants.

[angelique]

Ah, good in theory, but from what I've seen already one person's "right" looks good while anothers could looks pants.

Hear what you re saying.
Don't think it really matters what it looks like to others unless you're at competition level....are you making a connection with your dance partner or are you wanting to please the other punters who happen to be at the side of the floor near to where you are dancing?
IMHO as a watcher it's just as enthralling to see 2 ordinary people making a connection, playing with the music and having great big grins in their faces in the process! Who cares if they executed the moves with expert precision and looked fabulous doing so? If that's the case , then I better take up knitting again

Defining good and bad ...tough one! It's emotive, it's provocative, it's subjective and it's individual and for one thing I'm no expert to be attempting to define anything...I'm just a humble punter. Exactly where I want to be

When you do get it clarified...let me know!

[ducasi]

Ah, good in theory, but from what I've seen already one person's "right" looks good while anothers could looks pants.

That's where the confidence thing comes in – it only looks pants if you are doing it self-consciously and not giving yourself to the music.

Wish I could do that all the time.

[MartinHarper]

The question is, is it just down to confidence?
or is it something you can learn?

Mostly something to learn. You should pick up the necessary confidence during the learning process. I recommend going to a weekender or twenty and doing lots of the solo dancing workshops. I also recommend going to a nightclub or twenty to practice and observe.
There are some regular classes in solo dancing around the place, if you look hard enough. Some style of partner dancing (Salsa, Lindy, no doubt more) include solo work on a semi-regular basis.

[Trouble]

The funky chicken move you do looks really naff tho

[WittyBird]

Sorry but I just had to say, When I first read the title I thought this thread should be upstairs, and it got my interest.

[angelique]

Sorry but I just had to say, When I first read the title I thought this thread should be upstairs, and it got my interest.

WHAT do you mean Witty??

[WittyBird]

WHAT do you mean Witty??

*gags self and returns to cupboard*

Ok I can't resist I thought Gav had maybe decided to use his other hand

[Gav]

Sorry but I just had to say, When I first read the title I thought this thread should be upstairs, and it got my interest.

Yes, there's not much else that get's your interest is there?

[WittyBird]

Yes, there's not much else that get's your interest is there?

Believe me there's plenty that get's my interest pal

[Gav]

The funky chicken move you do looks really naff tho

That one's my favourite, along with the mashed potato!

[Gav]

Defining good and bad ...tough one! It's emotive, it's provocative, it's subjective and it's individual and for one thing I'm no expert to be attempting to define anything...I'm just a humble punter. Exactly where I want to be

When you do get it clarified...let me know!

mmm, Good/'kin awesome: Angelique and Mike at SnowWhites.
Bad: Me clinging onto my partner for dear life because it's far to scary to be on my own on a dancefloor!

I also recommend going to a nightclub or twenty to practice and observe.

One of my regular habits, but 99% of the people there are doing the same drunken stumble, bouncy-bouncy in a crowd that I am. Maybe I should try staying sober and watching?

[Clueless]

Mostly something to learn. You should pick up the necessary confidence during the learning process. I recommend going to a weekender or twenty and doing lots of the solo dancing workshops. I also recommend going to a nightclub or twenty to practice and observe.
There are some regular classes in solo dancing around the place, if you look hard enough. Some style of partner dancing (Salsa, Lindy, no doubt more) include solo work on a semi-regular basis.

I can undersand Gav, cause I was out last night and I was itching to dance but since taking up Ceroc I've 'lost' my ability to dance solo, I need a partner who can Ceroc!

But when someone goes 'sol' on me the thought is "oh dear" and Elisha is making me more confident with this, so I do like a shimmy or just move to the music closer to her and hold my hand out, or spin and by the time the spin is finished we connect again.

As for the origian I think it is a confidence thing and done by people who are VERY comfortable with dancing.

[Gadget]

There's a 'teen' program called "bump & grind" I caught the end of at the weekend - looks like the same "strictly pop idol" format (classes, teachers, judges, contestants...) but with club dancing. May want to have a look at this

[Yogi_Bear]

Mostly something to learn. You should pick up the necessary confidence during the learning process. I recommend going to a weekender or twenty and doing lots of the solo dancing workshops. I also recommend going to a nightclub or twenty to practice and observe.
There are some regular classes in solo dancing around the place, if you look hard enough. Some style of partner dancing (Salsa, Lindy, no doubt more) include solo work on a semi-regular basis.

Yes, if you attend Lindy Hop classes you will learn quite a lot of jazz steps either as part of a solo routine or as part of a partnered routine. All of this can give you the confidence to incorporate breakaway steps in your modern jive.
I often find a breakaway step is useful when you have lost connection with your partner - maybe she spins too far away or the move loses its shape - so you can both take time to reestablish the conmnection. Adding solo spins is a good example. And sometimes the music just calls for it anyway.....

[Dazzler]

I tend to find myself doing the 'solo' thing alot more nowadays...but i only do it when it fits the music and i am sure my partner is also willing to take part so that i dont end up with a woman storming off the dance floor cos she thinks am running off to the loo or something! but i am not sure whether or not it looks any good...and i dont know that i really care as long as me and my partner are enjoying the dance it should not matter what others think....and with referance to an earlier statement....if me and my partner are both smiling it will probably look good in the sense of being fun!

Alot of it probably does come down to confidence and how much you are at ease with said partner but never be afraid to try something out....i often sit and watch what the more experienced dancers are doing..(when i get a chance that is ) but yeah...i just watch and then try and workout in my head how they did somethin...add a little self interpretation and bingo...find a partner i dance with regularly and give it a bash...although i do sometimes warn them..

Guess what i am saying is.....if you see it and like it....give it a bash.....unless its potentially dangerous that is....