Ms. Poppy Chiffon — the doyenne of dance, the baroness of ballroom etiquette, the sultana of Southern hospitality — is pleased to answer your dance-related questions. Here are a few queries that Poppy deigned to extract from her mailbag this week. If you have a question that you would like Poppy Chiffon to address, please e-mail her at askpoppy@dancestationusa.com. Ms. Chiffon regrets that she cannot respond individually to questions.
Dear Poppy,
Do you have any advise for those of us who are followers and really want to be leaders. I just have a hard time not allowing the man to lead me. Usually, I think it is because he just doesn’t hear the rhythm in the song so I am just trying to help him and everything ends up quite uncomfortable and jerky. I know you must have some guidance for me.
Can’t Help Myself
Dear Can’t Help Myself,
When two people try to lead nothing feels right. When one person lets the other lead both bodies begin to flow with the music. It is as if the two become one body moving beautifully together. To dance in a partnership takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Surrender to the guiDance.
Dear Poppy,
Laura and I are getting married this year; the day after Christmas. She said that she wants to take dance lessons to “dazzle” the folk back home; however, she’s not sure what type of dance to do. I was trying to find a way to show her different types of dance from sources on line so she can see what might turn her on. What types of dance would you deem appropriate for a wedding for our bride and groom dance. Do you know an easy way or easy source that I could use for us to investigate different dance styles? I would think being in a wedding gown with a small train that the dancing would be kept more traditional; waltz, foxtrot… am I wrong? Salsa?? Music recommendations would be helpful too.
High regards
Alex
Dear Alex,
Congratulations! Of course, Sweetie, the dance to choose would be the one that goes with the music that you both really enjoy. My advise is to choose a few songs that may remind you of how you feel about each other. Then come in to Dance Station for an introductory private lesson. The teacher will listen to your music and let you know what dance would be appropriate. Time is a wasting, Sugar, call and make an appointment today. The more you practice, the better you will be for the wedding in December. Don’t wait until the last minute. It may take more time than you realize to get the results that you want for the wedding dance. See you soon!
