Re: [Callers] Implied Messages in First-Timer's Orientation

[Hanny Budnick]

I use an entirely different approach to teach dancers to swing. There's no joy - 
or dancing - in this walking around with no weight given, no eye contact offered 
for me...
I ask the couple to stand opposite each other, cross hands and then FALL BACK 
without moving their feet. So their feet are close together, their butts further 
apart - and their heads furthest apart. To an outsider it would look like a cone.
I emphasize that this can be done despite height and/or weight difference 
between them - and *IF* they would let go, they wouldn't want to dance tomorrow 
because their butts would hurt.
I ask them to remember this physical sensation, with their arms carrying the 
weight... Sticking out butts is a no-no.
Then I let them bend their arms more and more, so that their bodies come closer 
and closer together - until they are close enough to assume social dance 
position. By then the 'leaning back' is mostly imaginary, but the feeling is 
maintained and important. Now they can use the buzz swing and DANCE with each 
other. Voilá.
Hanny, Danzmeestersche