Tag: Oppositional Reflex

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Connection is a Universal Language

Connection is a universal language. It’s so universal that when I have one of my main video partners record a figure with me, 95% of the time they do not know what is coming and we tape the figure in one shot. The other 5% is because I forget where I am and have to start over. The leading and following after a certain point becomes second nature and doesn’t need any help for any other language to get expressed.

Just like learning a new language some parts of connection are exactly as they appear and others seem counter intuitive. One thing that connection is not is intermittent. In the same way a pitcher must stay connected to the ball with their follow thru; dancers must stay connected with each other through the entire figure.

Leaders should be looking to be clear and precise so there is no guess work for the follower and no chance they could “pick the wrong direction.” Followers must resist the urge to anticipate any portion of the figure by “riding the leaders lead” aka “staying in the pocket.” Imagine if the baseball was able to anticipate the pitcher’s throw and left the hand early? It would be chaotic!

I have a couple of drills that I do to keep myself in the pocket when I follow that are based on Oppositional Reflex. When pushed a good follower pushes back…When pulled a good Follower pulls back…Every one of my Classes has drills that will get you Connecting Universally!

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Finding Your Connection in WCS

Finding your connection starts with great contact with the floor. It then comes from good central movement from both partners. Once contact is made, connection happens only when both parties are in complete opposition to each other.

The video linked to this article is a great illustration of this concept in action. Watch how Melissa keeps turning (about 30 seconds in) as she is searching for Ben’s connection. She makes no assumptions about what he may be leading. She simply (not saying it’s easy) goes from point A to point B and from connection to connection. She sits in the “pocket” of Ben’s lead for what seems like an eternity, yet they are never off time or out of sync.

This is the concept we drill in this month’s “Finding Your Connection” unit. These classes are never “stacked” — you don’t need to attend one to understand the next. The more of them you attend, the more reps and drills you’ll have under your belt.

Want to know when the next Finding Your Connection class is happening? Email me: MrJ@MrJonathanIsMyDJ.com and ask to be added to my list.

More articles that illustrated examples of the importance of connections:

Connection Creates Direction

Connection is a Universal Language

The Formula Behind Great West Coast Swing Connection