Riot and Frolic

Competitive ballroom dancers are impressionists.  

That's why there's only 3 hair colors on the floor.  (Black, red, or blonde.)

That's why there's a million rhinestones sparkling under the lights.

That's why there's a bottle of spray tan on each person's skin.

That's why there's a can of hairspray keeping each person's hair in place.

That's why there's 12 very fit, posturally-correct people in the final.

We have to make the strongest physical impression we can, in the blink of an eye.  We have to look as perfect as we can (hair in place and interesting, fit , pretty /handsome, exotic/beautiful/fierce/sexy/romantic/[insert descriptive term here], confident) because judges start culling the herd before we even walk on the floor.  

Then, when we walk on the floor and start dancing, we have to hold on to that great first impression. 

Obviously, that's where it gets harder.  There's technique and movement and floorcraft and all that.

But if someone squints at you (or sees you from the side of the floor) when you're dancing, what do they see?  

They don't see your perfect heel lead, or your amazing ITA, or your pointed toe on your rondé.  They should see your hips and shoulders wringing with your Latin/Cuban motion, or your gigantic steps in your Natural Turns, or speedy turns.  They see your smile, your well-placed arms, and posture.  They sense your confidence and ease of movement.

You know how you can create that great impression?

Practice your technique and drill it into your body.  Do exercises so often, you think you're overdoing it (I still practice rock steps while I cook, posture exercises while I brush my teeth, rolling through my heel to toe while I grocery-shop).   Do that when you're not on the floor, so when it comes time to perform, you can to let go of your perfection-chasing practice personality and whip out the fun-loving, over-the-top entertainer.  Have fun.

Just don't forget to whip it out.

Happy Friday!

One year ago: Knit Picking.