Last week I wrote about the ways that followers can really be there for their leaders. This week its the leader’s turn. There is something that good leaders do, that Great leaders do more.
During our Two Step class last Sunday part of our time was spent on things leaders can do to eliminate options for the follower. So often, for leaders, being in the correct position not only makes the physical act of leading easier but by great position (out ahead on the end of the weave for example) narrows the options down for your follower. Imagine if you could make it so that there was only one place for the follower to go and that happened to be what you were about to lead?
As hard as it is for followers to follow they do have it a little easier at the beginning. The real struggle is in staying in the pocket and following their wrist. I am not saying it’s easier as an activity I am saying it takes up less RAM in the brain. Leaders MUST start and end each pattern on time, have an idea for the next pattern, and then on top of it all execute the lead in a clear way. There is a lot more to think about at the beginning for leaders. There is a way to speed the process up.
The answer is footwork. The leaders that drill their footwork, in a solo setting, find it MUCH easier to be in position than the leaders who get their practice in only during lessons and socials. You can improve by 33% in one week with less than 5 minutes of practice per day (10 if you dance both rolls)…I still do this every day for both rolls and like learning a foreign language I am able to think as a leader, follower, or switch mid step in real time.
See you:
December 10th for our California Mix at
Sweeny Post #2
251 Maple St, Manchester, NH 03103
Lesson 6-7 WCS W/Mr. J
Dancing 7-9 (Mr. Jonathan DJ)
Cost: $20
This week December 14th’s Class is Canceled as the room has been rented…See you next week!
Here are the details for our next Thursday class:
The Next Thursdays Class, December 21st
6:30 lesson (WCS)
7:30ish There will be a guided dance practice time that follows and I am available for dances and questions with plans to wrap the night up by 8:30.
The cost of the night is $20
Its held at 304 S. Broadway in Salem, NH
Its Two Guys Smoke Shop across from T-Bones on Route 28
You are welcome to park anywhere in the lot including the spots out front labeled for 20 minutes. We are using the door closest to the giant sign which will be marked with a sign.
Sunday
December 10th for our California Mix at
Sweeny Post #2
251 Maple St, Manchester, NH 03103
Lesson 6-7 WCS W/Mr. J
Dancing 7-9 (Mr. Jonathan DJ)
Cost: $20
Sunday
December 17th
Kadance
368 W. Cummings Park
Woburn, Ma 01801
6-6:30 Beginner 2-Step w/Anne Flemming
6:30-7pm Beyond Beginner 2-Step w/Anne Flemming
7-9:30 pm California Mixer w/DJ Mr. Jonathan
$20 for the whole night $15 dance only