Guys: Doing Our Part
01.28.07

In my article last week, I discussed avoiding a short circuit on the lead by the ladies. Our leaders need to pony up now.
 
In my classes, you will hear that the " &-ah-ONE" is our most critical count in any pattern. This is the start of the play and without a strong start, the play is not likely to succeed. When we start learning how to dance, the leaders have the disadvantage. We not only have to learn about rhythm and patterns, but how to lead as well.
 
In your fundamental patterns, once you are past the first beat, your partner should have a clear picture of what you called for a play in that moment. For example, If your left shoulder is back, you have started a left side pass or a tuck. You have eliminated whips and right side patterns. So, if you have clearly done the first step of the pattern, you have literally handed the ball off to your partner and it is time for her to run with it.
 
Since we now have the ladies waiting to see what your lead is going to be (no...do not have a copy of last week's column in your pocket. Just go with me here...), how about a little tip to help your lead get communicated to your partner...Cheat!
 
If you end your last pattern with your left shoulder already starting back out of the slot (and you are planning a left side pass or tuck), you have now notified your partner early that you have called that play from the playbook. In social dancing, this is ok as long as you do not disturb your connection doing this. In other words, don't pull her arm early. Shape your body so that the left side is already back a little, You can do this by a) Dancing closer to your partner (I personally love that one anyway...especially having danced with other 300lb guys on a football field for 30 years) and b) Giving her more of your arm.
 
Now, giving up more arm is not an excuse for a whimpy connection. Your partner needs you to connect her to your body so that she can feel it lead, not your arm. The connection is a crucial element in your development as a dancer. Don't blow past this or assume your connection is good. Seek advice from your partners to refine and enhance your connection and ultimately your lead in this fashion.
 
Once she has the signal, you still have to start the play. this is especially true when you are inviting her to play. So many times, the ladies get to the end of the slot, the guy then shines a spotlight on her and can almost shout to the room.."Tah Dah!!!" This is disconcerting at the very least. Just do not go there!
 
Instead, shape your body off the slot to show her she is passing you and then "LEAD THE ONE" The caps are deliberate here, folks. Your partner now has options. She can do a basic pass if she is not ready for the spotlight. If she is, she can work the slot and your job is to stay out of the way until she gets to the other side. If you do not lead, she should just settle in and wait, do her nails, write some checks or whatever until you make that commitment.
 
A good leader does exactly that and gets out of the way. you can make your dance more complicated than that, but our first function on the floor is to lead. Work on your lead and connection first and foremost. Ask your followers and take sensible advice from them regarding these two crucial elements in your dancing. Lead well and everything else can be smoothed over time. Make your partners notice you, but not with some wild and crazy move you saw in a video. A great connection and good lead will get us far in the game of dance, my friends. See you out there!