What does it mean when we use the term freestyle in Ballroom and Latin dancing? Freestyle typically refers to a type competition event where dancers are demonstrating a particular style of dance at a particular level to a piece of music they did not hear in advance. The idea is to judge a dancer’s ability to lead or follow a dance without having a choreographed routine.
While this type of event encourages the dancer to develop better partnering skills and musicality, to be successful a partnership must surely be using a grouping. A grouping is a useful tool in allowing a couple to both dance to the best of their abilities with the knowledge of what is coming in the material. It is not true that dancing a grouping is not utilizing lead and follow.
The freestyle grouping is simply a tool to assist in the dance, the couple is by no means simply dancing their own part side by side. Remember always that the partner dances, be it Ballroom, Latin, Tango or Swing are necessarily and primarily about the relationship of the partners. This relationship is one of a team, each member knowing and fulfilling their own role to their greatest ability. Any time we use a grouping or routine format it should be considered only a tool in assisting in the relationship of the partnership, not a substitute for it.
Whether you are preparing for a competition or one of our showcase events where we feature freestyle events, having a grouping with your partner can assist in developing the skills you are focusing on. With a grouping you have a sketch or plan, you should still be flexible, if the plan needs to change because of traffic or other concerns.
Yet another benefit of a freestyle grouping is that because you become more familiar with the order of patterns you are executing, you have the freedom to focus on the other skills you are developing. From body actions and styling to the relationship of the partnership, all of these aspects of your dancing can finally receive the attention they need because your entire attention is not focused on the what’s next question. It gives your practice sessions or lessons a clear direction and focus and you will find that you use your practice time more efficiently. Freestyle groupings are also great material to show a visiting coach, getting other’s perspective on something that you deem familiar is very powerful in transforming your dancing.
Whatever level of dancer you happen to be, creating and practicing a freestyle grouping can be such an extraordinary help in developing your dancing. Even if you do not intend to dance in a showcase or competition, the benefits of a grouping you can practice with your teacher or student partner are numerous and will assist in the development of all your dance skills. Ask your teacher to put a grouping together for you at an appropriate level and begin to find the benefits. It can be a fun learning experience and like much of our dancing, the beginning of a fruitful journey.
Lawrence Black is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Lawrence or any of our teachers call 505-989-9788 to schedule.
