Considering Your Next Step To New Levels In Your Dance
11.27.06

In the Dance Jungle, you run into many attitudes and approaches to dancing. That is part of the attraction for many. In the same fashion, learning to dance West Coast Swing is a combination of many different informational sources.
 
One thing that stands out in the process of learning to dance is a distinct pair of approaches to the instruction of West Coast Swing. In many venues, the patterns are taught as the first step in training students in this dance. 6 or 7 basic patterns are drilled and rules built around the movements in order to give a student a formal structure to work from, just as ballroom is taught in many studios.
 
The logic behind this approach is that it gets a student up and dancing quicker. Learn 5 or 6 patterns and you can dance all night, right? The logical step in this philosophy is the more patterns you know, the more progress you make as a dancer.
 
The disadvantage to this system is that it creates bad habits and doesn't truly connect the student to the dance. The reason why some things are done become lost in the rules and the student is programmed and limited in how to express themselves through their dancing. For the sake of speed and less effort, the weeds are planted and if the student wishes to cross to higher levels, they will have to unlearn old habits as they try to establish better ones. Is this truly the most efficient way to grow as a dancer?
 
A number of instructors have been striving to build and refine a system that allows a student to learn as quickly as possible with the minimal amount of relearning as they progress up the dance ladder. The Golden State Dance Teachers Association is a leader in this movement. Beth and I have both undertaken the certification path offered by the GSDTA due to this approach. Quite simply, the system produces high level dancers consistently. The emphasis is on core fundamentals and techniques. This produces strong dance skills, better habits and keeps dancers interested in continuing to learn.
 
Emphasis on techniques and skills requires more time, focus and effort. The instructor has to prepare more thoroughly and be ready to approach the techniques in several different ways. The student will need to think AND feel as the material is presented. The material still includes patterns, but they are evaluated and presented with the reasons why they are executed in the way they are taught. The sequence of when the patterns are taught is even mapped out according to what techniques will be presented in those sessions. The techniques build the patterns, not the reverse.
 
So many of the dancers in this area that have asked for help in their dancing have been trained through pattern oriented material. So many of us reach a plateau through that system and then have to fight, scratch and claw to climb higher. This discourages many and leads to the conclusion that this is a tough dance to really learn. In evaluating how you wish to learn this dance, you may want to consider that the speed you gain in pattern oriented learning you will lose and then some if you look to gain higher level expertise in your dancing.
 
In the experiences that I have had both as a student and now as an instructor, the best gains are made by taking the time to understand the techniques thoroughly. The techniques when executed correctly almost force your feet to move in the patterns you need to dance. More often than not, an enlightening moment (We refer to them as "AHA's") is when you get your body where it needs to go and feel the results of that accomplishment. The dance begins to "feel right" and your confidence grows due to this feeling.
 
There are many dancers who are satisfied with some basics and stop there. Still others who crave patterns and will consider that to be the way to become an accomplished dancer. In my opinion, if you savor your dance and really want to continue to enhance your skills, expand your horizons and lift your personality into your dancing, there is no other answer than to study the techniques. Consider this and you may be joining me on this side of the fence. Beth and I are proud of our association with the GSDTA and many of the personalities working with that organization to enhance your dance experience. For those of you who have worked with us in our workshops, lessons and special guest instructors, thank you for your confidence and we will always strive to return that confidence with great value. We look forward to continue to help you and those yet to come in growing our collective dance level and enjoyment in our community.
 
We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor...