While "relax" would actually be a better description than "leaning" into hand behind you, "relax" has so far not proven very effective in keeping a beginner dancer from leaning INTO the swing which makes it much more difficult. Goes right along with death grip on the right shoulder. It is a challenge. What exactly do you mean by dramatic consequences for your arm?
Harold -----Original Message----- From: callers-boun...@sharedweight.net [mailto:callers-boun...@sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of Linda Leslie Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 10:52 AM To: Caller's discussion list Subject: Re: [Callers] Height diffferential As a dancer who often role switches, I have noted that "leaning" can have some dramatic consequences for my right arm when I dance the gent's role. I tend to avoid using this word, but do like "relax", "connection", and other concepts that might get to a better swing experience. I would love to hear about other words that seem to work for dancers/callers. Linda On Feb 19, 2014, at 10:25 AM, George Mercer wrote: > The "Where to place the gent's hand for a swing" is a curious problem > for me. I've generally been told I have a good swing, but every once > in a while I'll be dancing with someone who insists/demands I move my > hand further up on the back or much lower. I do what I'm asked to do. > I hesitate to suggest to anyone that swinging involves "leaning back." > As for body tension/giving weight, I suggest they use the guide that > one uses for gardening and even child rearing -- firm but gentle. > Tension but not stiff or rigid. You can do both. I also find myself > when dancing with new dancers telling them to relax, body rigidity or > stiffness is not the answer and it doesn't help them or the person > their dancing with at that moment. > Relax. Firm but gentle. Let me know you're there, Thanks. > > > On Wed, Feb 19, 2014 at 9:33 AM, Harold E. Watson <hwat...@uark.edu> > wrote: > >> Sometimes we'll hold a quick swing teach during a break. I've always >> taught the gents to place their right hands between the ladies >> shoulder blades. This provides support for the ladies' backs so they >> can lean back into it to balance with swing and it doesn't hurt their >> back. (We have some gents that insist on swinging at around 90 RPM.) >> One of the more difficult thing I've had to teach beginner ladies is >> get used to leaning into that hand. They have a tendency to tightly >> grip my right shoulder rather than relax. It can be a difficult >> concept for a newbie. >> >> Harold _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list call...@sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
