When we work on our Latin and Rhythm dancing an important focus for all dancers is the development of body action. The isolations we use through our legs, hips and ribs create the look of the dances, but they are also of great importance to the lead and follow success of the dancing.
For the leader, the body actions provide a wealth of communications to your partner. The leg actions, what we refer to as alternating leg action, where we alternate straightening and flexing the legs, provides information to your partner about where your weight is, which is one of the biggest bits of information to give your partner. Your rib cage isolations, the lateral movement of the ribcage, are actually one of the most important tools in comfortable leading. The rib cage is one of the first things to move when beginning a step, therefore it is the first information the partner receives, like the warning signs on the freeway, your partner is now fully aware of what is coming and can be prepared to act accordingly.
For the follower, the body actions are helpful in giving positive feedback to our partner, so they know if we have committed to the action just led and if we are prepared for the next indication. The body actions are also tremendously important in the power generation in our own bodies as we move from foot to foot. The rib cage isolations allow us to connect to the partner which will give us greater speed and efficiency in responding to leads. The hip actions are largely responsible for the generation of turns in the Latin and Rhythm dances, we use the rotation of the hip to serve as a wind up for the next action, setting up turns and spins with ease.
The isolations we work on developing in our dancing are not just for pretty. It turns out that they serve various roles, only one of which is to create a sexy and energetic look in our dancing. We want to work on developing the flexibilities and strengths required to be consistent with our body actions to be both better leaders and followers and of course, to look great when we dance.
Mary Brennecke is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Mary or any of the teachers at Dance Station call at 505-989-9788.
