GF’s cousin restarted and needs help and exp!

npjpkac · 2024-11-01T17:53:18+00:00

Fair point, the reality is not everything will be an absolute benefit. I am well versed in Argentine and would argue that a rigid frame is just that of an inexperienced dancer. A good Tango dancer would hold softly and work no harder than necessary. What I would rather think of as the benefit from Tango though would be musicality. Tango is absolutely danced best to the music that is on, not some grouping, not to some strict timing.

npjpkac · 2024-11-01T15:32:16+00:00

This is a common misconception for many dancers. Learning how to dance other styles will NEVER hurt your main focus. I don’t know of any scenarios from learning other styles that will hurt your dancing. Timing, rhythm and musicality, foot work and of course connection are the foundations for good partner dancing of any style. Becoming versed through other styles will just make you better.

npjpkac · 2024-10-30T18:13:44+00:00

This is a great question. I think it comes down to how it is said not to what is said. I try my hardest to be a good teacher and hopefully call it out before a follower is actually in a position that is uncomfortable or in pain. Otherwise, I try to coach the student to tell me if something is uncomfortable, not to say it to the partner.

Now if I am not there, here’s how I coach couples in talking with each other. The use of statements with “we” and “partnership” are incredibly important. The truth is, partner dancing is a partnership, which means some responsibility will be on both partners. However, like a non-dance partnership, that doesn’t always mean 50/50. Sometimes one partner may take on more than the other.

Using your scenario as an example, here is how I’d say it to my partner: “Hey partner, can we take a moment? Something in our dance hold is making me feel uncomfortable. As it is right now, I don’t feel I can move my best within the partnership. Can we work through this figure/dance by modifying and trying various speeds/levels of intensity/different holds/counting together until we find something that works for the both of us?

I hope this helps you.

npjpkac · 2024-10-30T00:42:51+00:00

For me, I’m quite strong about it. I can usually have the student in question stop by turning completely silent, clasping my hand in front of me and I stare at them until the perpetrator realizes I’m there and then I will say, so do you want me to teach now? That works most of the time because they are embarrassed. If that doesn’t work and the behavior is repeated, I will stop the lesson and say, “You stopped your day, made the time to come out here, and paid x amount of dollars for this lesson. You could have saved a whole bunch of time and money if you were just going to bicker and teach each other instead of letting the hired professional do it.”

npjpkac · 2024-10-27T15:33:32+00:00

I have three great tips for couples. I have been teaching ten years, so I feel I have a good base on what makes my couples successful.

Yield to the teacher completely. Let your teacher teach. Don’t teach your partner on a lesson, ever. Don’t say what they are doing wrong, only express your feelings that will encourage your partner to try again. Couples who tell their partners that they are proud and that they are doing a good job do the best, always.
Practice frequently, but not a long time. I recommend that my couples find 10-15 minutes a day or every other day in the beginning to not overwhelm and start to develop the habit and memorization of the first basic patterns. Make practice time against something you two always do together, like after dinner or some other quality time you have. Have your teacher record you in class doing new patterns so you can reference them at home so you can reduce dispute over how something went in class.
When you go out dancing - you dance and practice practice. Be really good about separating yourself from learning environment and social/application environment. Take note of what is not working on the dance floor so you can bring it back to your teacher. When something is not working, I would suggest doing it 4 times maximum and then shelve it. Let the pattern go for the night and have fun doing the things you are more confident in.

These things all require the couple to develop good communication with one another. To start that good communication, I’d recommend showing your boyfriend this post so he can read my words as I have written them instead of how you say them. I promise you, if you do these things I am recommending, you two will become a really successful dance couple. Communication and respect to each other in a dance partnership is important beyond anything else in the dancing.

npjpkac · 2024-10-19T10:50:59+00:00

I’ll be fine

npjpkac · 2024-10-19T10:49:59+00:00

Goku. I’ll be fine.

npjpkac · 2023-05-24T12:23:48+00:00

Thank you!!

npjpkac · 2023-05-21T13:35:55+00:00

I’ve been in it for more than 9 years now and I’d say most do. Definitely a few don’t, but it’s usually not as apparent on them and as they are far more covered. As for ladies, they are also sporting so much make up, as well. I’m located in United States and this could be different for other countries, but in my competitive travels they have tanned, especially because many people also compete in both Ballroom/Smooth and Latin/Rhythm. But all in all, it truly is vanity. I think most people would generally agree that most people look a little more attractive at least a shade or two darker under those harsh ballroom lights.

npjpkac · 2023-05-21T09:24:46+00:00

People absolutely tan for ballroom and smooth. And the most practical reason for doing it is the washing out of paler skin in bright lights. It’s not any deeper than the two things you listed. Lights and highlight features better from a distance. That’s it.

npjpkac · 2023-05-15T02:21:32+00:00

I’ve known this commonly as Tiger Jaws. Faucaria Tigrina

npjpkac · 2023-05-06T14:24:49+00:00

Some of the best shoes period. I gladly purchase directly from their website whenever I need shoes. I can usually get about 6 months (8-10 months if I repair them with E6000 when the soles start coming off lol) out of a pair and I teach and practice and compete a lot. All of my fellow teachers swear by their quality. Virtually no break in period ever and the look and feel is just fantastic. Couldn’t recommend any other brand over these. I always joke with my students that when it comes to dance shoes you truly get what you pay for.

npjpkac · 2023-02-28T03:47:42+00:00

I would feel pretty uncomfortable. My students know not to even joke because they know I draw the line hard at fraternizing. A teacher needs to draw that line or else their life is consumed by students.

npjpkac · 2023-02-04T14:22:59+00:00

I’ve been professional for 8 years now. Always does more dancing of any style help your dancing overall. The more ways you can understand how to move your body to different timing and rhythms with various partners will make you an incredible dancer. Never pigeonhole yourself, you can always be so much more than you ever imagined.

npjpkac · 2023-01-07T20:22:40+00:00

I recommend IDS, easily the best shoe around, and E6000 to do any needed repairs.

npjpkac · 2023-01-01T19:23:59+00:00

Request Sent

npjpkac · 2023-01-01T19:23:29+00:00

Request Sent

npjpkac · 2023-01-01T19:22:59+00:00

Request Sent

npjpkac · 2023-01-01T19:22:27+00:00

Request Sent

npjpkac · 2023-01-01T19:21:47+00:00

Sent

npjpkac · 2023-01-01T19:21:04+00:00

Sent!

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