I would like to share with you some thoughts about social dancing in Malta. Not everyone may look at it the same way as it’s just my own perspective. However, my intention is to reflect a bit and who knows, maybe someone may find it useful. It can maybe explain why I’m not a frequent visitor to the dance parties anymore. Not so frequent as I used to be before moving to Malta. It is the same reason why some of us, dancers are losing the pleasure of social dancing.
The quality of dances… Here it is very important to understand, that by the quality, I don’t mean shinier and crazier figures, even if those are sometimes the reason why we get attracted to the dance scene. Unfortunately, it’s not always so obvious. It’s important to remember as less is more. Before trying to perform a complicated routine, it would be great if we make sure if our basics are in place. When we are still at the beginning of learning journey (I don’t mean here the time but rather quality and intensity), with very little control over our own body, without understanding where is ours or our partner body weight, what are the simple bio-mechanics of the movement, it is better not to complicate life even more by trying to copy YouTube stars. There should be no pressure or what so ever to do crazy stuff just to ‘not look like a loser’. Well danced basics, keeping a good connection, musicality and dance attitude have the value of gold.
Everyone is different, and yes, there are some people with a well-developed background, who can get things super-fast, without much of explanation. But those are exemptions, not the majority. It seems to be a trend that new students very quickly jump into learning complicated routines, instead of focusing on the understanding of the technical part of the dance, which is essential. Of course, there is nothing bad about aiming more and challenging yourself, but it becomes a very big problem if there is no right balance. I believe no one wants to get hurt, injured or simply feel uncomfortable on the dance-floor and these things are happening...
First of all, ask yourself a question. Maybe it sounds funny but are we really asking ourselves: ‘for who are you dancing?’ If for your partner, the sake of socializing with another person, having a pleasant time, enjoying the moment – then the social party is the right place for you to dance. If you are dancing only for yourself and you don’t mind the person next to you – maybe you would enjoy more solo dances. If you are dancing for everyone else in the room, you enjoy all the eyes on you, every dance is a show – maybe you should consider joining a performance team. If you feel like it's rather mixing of all above, that’s totally fine, but you need to take many different aspects in your consideration.
The reason why I’m so deeply in love with Brazilian Zouk is that it really does focus on the essential skills of a social dancer in the first place, secondary on the routines and figures. It gives a deep understanding of what’s happening with your body and allows you to follow and lead better, even if you dance Kizomba or Bachata! It helps to develop correct body frame, which is needed in every dance, but in Zouk, it’s a key (it’s super difficult to fake Zouk if your body tension and frame isn’t right). Zouk makes you understand principals of transferring body weight and its importance, also body isolations. And maybe the most important – it focuses on the gentle, soft lead and follow, the safety of dance.
I see too often on the parties when follower and leader are totally disconnected, not paying real attention and care on the dance and it does really make me sad. If it’s just an effect of the ignorance, it degrades social dance to something smaller. We are all learning, we do mistakes, we experiment and it’s just fine. However, I think it’s important to acknowledge what do we need to learn (which is not necessarily what we want right now). The amplitude of learning is not a straight line up, but it brings us down to basics again and again, with every step up.
My personal advice which I believe could help others is:
1. Dance with everyone. If you dance only with advanced dancers, they may do many things automatically and correct/improve in dance your lack of skills. If you dance only with beginners, they may not pay special attention to your too strong lead, or lack of precise movements, rather they will blame themselves for the poor quality of the dance.
2. Ask about feedback, or ask if someone would like to hear your feedback. Key-word here is ASK! If you express your negative opinion about someone’s else dance without permission, you will be considered as rude and arrogant. It’s about helping each other, not being mean. Feedback is a great tool to get to know what we can improve.
3. Try different courses, activities. Don’t stick with only one thing. Many people are scared to try other things as they are scared of confusion. It is not true. You may find great knowledge and improve your dance skills because of stretching classes, martial arts, playing instruments, or learning other styles. Combining different exercises exposes your mind and body for stronger stimulus, which brings you closer to your goal.
4. Make a good connection a priority of your dance. If you manage to connect with your partner, you can start trying steps and figures with increasing difficulty. However, if anytime you lose the connection with your partner, don’t pretend as nothing happens. Come back to the basic moves where you can both connect again.
I hope this may help and I will be more than happy to hear about your opinions and experience from the parties. See you all on the dance-floor! <3
pictures by shaunspiteriphotography