Two Left Feet Podcast

How much should my hands/arms move when leading?

How much arm and hand movement is too much? ______________________________________________________________ If an arm movement supports the body movement, then it can be fine or even recommended. But body movement should come first. You do not want washing machine arms, wax-on wax-off hands. This is a No-No. Arm movement originates from your body movement,

As long as you're not 'leading' anything, you can keep relaxed arms, elbows next to your body, just in front of your ribcage, with the forearms horizontally. Your body/shoulders are moving with the music, your arms follow this movement, they shouldn't move too much independently. When you ARE leading something, you might have to stiffen up the frame a bit. Even then, it will largely depend on what you're trying to lead.

You should not dance with your arms. It's almost always confusing and It doesn't help. Your Arms are for leading, In a handhold position - if you move them you are asking the follow to do something. If you are moving them around too much it's confusing for the follow. Give the follow some tension in your arms but don't be rigid, have some flexibility. There is a middle ground that you must find. If you can imagine this, your arms are never in one state, they are always in this transitory state between fluid and tense. They are never 100% loose (think noodle arms) or 100% strict and tense.

It is best when motion in your upper body is natural, not deliberately added in. The problem with some leads is that they start to perform, to other leads, and forget what they should be doing – Dancing WITH their partner. Or they forget to dance at their dance partner's level.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #Ginga #Forro #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

• Saying Hurtful Things

Today I was informed that I hurt someone's feelings, and It does not make me feel good about myself.

In an effort to be funny, I came off as harsh, mean, unsympathetic, emotionless, an idiot, just overall not a kind and good person. And thus I am paying for it now. And so what must I do, I must apologize, and this apology very well may fall upon deaf ears. But I have to do it, this may be more so for myself. Because I am unsure what else I could do to rectify this problem? I honestly do not know, It does not make me feel good about myself. I am not proud of my words nor my actions. Like I said I am now paying for it, because I am not unable to think about too many other things. My thoughts are dominated on how careless I was with my words, and how mean I was. This person actually started crying. WOW, right. I made someone cry, with my words. Shows you how impactful your words can be, and how they can cut like a sword. And all of this was from an attempt at humor. I guess I am not very funny, just a mean spirited person. Hmmmm. A lot to think about. Hurt people , hurt people.

I do not want to be mean to people, I do want to make people laugh, but there has to be others ways to accomplish this without coming off so mean and harsh and unkind and unsympathetic. I am better than that. I deserved every bit of that situation today at work. I deserved it 100%

Is all of this an attempt to help cover up my own insecurities. I think that might be a hard yes.

Advice for tall leaders Having difficulty spinning shorter partners. He is also having issues with rhythm. He has been dancing for 3 months, so he's still a beginner.

Spinning people is less about height and more about technique. Spinning a partner is not about force but rather guiding the spin and allowing your follow to complete the turn using her own energy. If you ever find yourself forcing a move rather than it being a smooth transfer of energy, focus on using the least amount of movement and force to communicate what you intend to lead. This is not a problem unique to tall leads, its unique to beginner leads. For turning her, you go just over her head at the highest. Think about making a halo above your partners head.

You may be under the mindset that because you are tall, that makes you a bad dancer. This is COMPLETELY FALSe. You just need to practice more. Do not look at your height as an excuse, but instead look at it as your unique factor. Certain Things you can do, I will not be able to do as a 5'7 dancer.

0 #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

Sweaty Palms

This individual stated when they get nervous/anxious, their palms tend to sweat a lot. And they were looking for advice.

_______________________________

I've seen people with a handtowel or handkerchief hanging out of their back pocket. A lot of moves you lead with the tips of your fingers, so your palms are not always involved.

So As a lead you can pretty much avoid touching anything with your palm, unless your fingers also get sweaty, you can probably manage with advice from your teacher.

There are also some products that you can use to help with sweating. Ill leave the links in the description below. But please, do your own research.

https://www.rhinoskinsolutions.com/store/p5/Dry_Skin_Antiperspirant.html

https://www.amazon.com/antihydral/s?k=antihydral&pldnSite=1&sa-no-redirect=1

Musicality / Creativity – How Does one become creative on the dance floor. I think creativity comes from your comfort level. It is very hard to be creative when you are in a state of tension/anxiety/nervous. So how does one become comfortable on the dance floor? Extended and prolonged exposure to dancing and social dancing/ dancing with partners. I would argue that you will never see a beginner dancer do something creative on the dance floor. Why is that? Because they are still learning the rules. When a baby draws you a picture is it creative or is it just scribbles on a piece of paper? Better question is it an inspiring level of creativity? Do you feel inspired when you see a baby draw? No. But when you see a professional do something on a whim, just instantly creative something beautiful. That is creativity and this is inspiring.

How does Musicality play into creativity. Same way, it's hard for beginners to display musicality. Why? Because they are so focused on executing the proper rules (Timing/leading-following/connection).

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Rueda #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #Ginga #Forro #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

Eye contact and smiling?

They want learn how to maintain eye contact and smiling during dancing.

Are you a leader or a follower? It makes a bit of a difference: a leader should look around a bit to keep an overview of available space around, so they don't bump their follower into other couples, or maybe save their follower from another inattentive dancer. A follower can look around to accentuate their movements and styling.

When you're in an open position you can definitely look at your partner, give 'em a smile. The best moment for a smile is when you or they mess something up.

I would refrain from constant eye contact, it can come off weird. If you are nervous about looking into someones eyes, you can look at their nose, forehead, ears, in between their eyes. It gives off the same impression.

Just do what it feels right. Vibe w the person you're dancing with in a way that feels natural and comfortable to you. That's the biggest takeaway, just be natural about this, Like having a conversation with a stranger. You are not holding complete eye contact for the entire conversation. Please do not think too hard about this. It is not that big of an issue.

But I will say if the dance is shit, you are in no obligation to smile. If the leader is being inappropriate, or the follow just awkward, you are in no obligation to look at no one's eyes.

try an exercise, record a dance with you not making eye contact, and one with you making eye contact. See which one looks better!

To close out this video: For both the eye contact and the smiling, I'd say do what feels natural and think of how it'll help your partner understand that you're having a good time. Empathy will take you a long way. eye contact and smiling are good manners and improve the connection/communication.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

How to ask for feedback from fellow dancers? This individual wants to ask for feedback, but feels too awkward after the dance to ask.

I think asking right after one dance would put someone on the spot. It can be tricky to come up with helpful advice so quickly. I would recommend asking someone after a few dances with them.

You can say something like "Hey that was fun! I'm trying to get better; do you have any feedback for me?"

Or

"Hey, I'm looking to improve. Do you have any constructive feedback for me about how I dance? Don't worry I won't be offended by anything you say. I'll just use it to improve for next time"

Of if you want an opinion on something specific ask about that, "How was my Tension/frame/styling?" I would put value of opinion in this order.

1st: My Instructor / Teacher. They should be the ones who are guiding you on your path.

2nd: I would video record myself dancing, and value what my eyes deem good vs. bad.

3rd: The opinion/feedback from others. ESPECIALLY in the beginner stage. Asking another beginner what they think can have its merits, but it's like asking a baby what they think about politics. It doesn't know enough to give you a valid opinion. Now if the dancer is proficient and you actually value their opinion, then definitely ask. But I would take feedback from beginners with a grain of salt / skepticism.

I think it's best to ask feedback in the class setting. If after the class there may be 15 mins of social dancing time. Like I said earlier get someone to record you, and then you can analyze what you see. Mistakes are glaring in video.

#Salsa

#Bachata

#Kizomba

#Podcast

#BrazilianZouk

#Dance

#Tarraxinha

#Zouk

#Passada

#RetroZouk

#Ginga

#Bolero

#Forro

#Lamba

#LambaZouk

#Afro

#Latin

#African

#Socialdance

#Socialdancing

#Partnerdance

#Partnerdancing

#Pachanga

#Lambada

#Dance

#Dancers

2LF Links

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet

Instagram: tw0_left_feet

Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/

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iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997

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Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

Delayed Gratification

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Rueda #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #Ginga #Forro #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

The Importance of a Good Teacher #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Rueda #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #Ginga #Forro #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers 2LF Links _______________________________________________ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

Should you dance with an Injury?

This person sprained their ankle but does not want to wait few weeks for the injury to heal.

I am of the mindset that you should not. I understand not dancing for a few weeks is rough! But not dancing for longer because you keep on hurting yourself is even worse!

You could possible make the injury worse. If you do not give the injury time to heal, it will heal badly and you'll be massively at risk of developing long term problems.

If the injury is serious enough go see a medical professional.

Rest the injured area, and after the swelling subsides - you can do some light exercises with resistance bands. Make sure you ice, a heat pad and elevate to reduce inflammation. (cold reduces swelling and pain, heat aids recovery).

If you must practice, try and work out the areas that are not injured.

If you injured your ankle, sit down and practice your upper body isolations. If you injured your upper body, work on your basic step.

#Salsa

#Bachata

#Kizomba

#Podcast

#BrazilianZouk

#Dance

#Tarraxinha

#Zouk

#Passada

#RetroZouk

#Ginga

#Bolero

#Forro

#Lamba

#LambaZouk

#Afro

#Latin

#African

#Socialdance

#Socialdancing

#Partnerdance

#Partnerdancing

#Pachanga

#Lambada

#Dance

#Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet

Instagram: tw0_left_feet

Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast