Practica Notes: 21st June 2011, Radlett

We did a number of exercises at Tuesday's practica in Radlett. Here's a list of them, to use as aides-memoire for you.

Exercise 1: Reverse roles

Women leading, men following.

Benefits:

  • Learn what it's like from the other side of the fence; hopefully allows some more empathy with your partner when it goes horribly wrong :)
  • If you know some following, you'll improve your leading, and vice versa.

Exercise 2: Timing changes

Dancing to the same track, dancing:

  • Single time
  • Half-time
  • Double-time
  • Mix-and-match (all three types)

Benefits:

  • Get used to changing tempo.
  • Start to change tempo according to the music.

Exercise 3: Forwards only

Dancing only forwards steps (and pivots for the corners!), but varying the timing and size of steps.

Benefits:

  • Focus on varying the size, duration and speed of steps
  • Makes it dancing, not marching

Exercise 4: V embrace

Adopt the "V" embrace, and use it for crosses and CCW giros.

Benefits:

  • Understand the requirements of the V embrace
  • Recognise it, if your partner adopts it
  • Understand the benefits of the V embrace