Dancing, Oh So Much More Than Just Steps
By Zak Bauman
As a spectator, my eyes are always drawn to one dancer on the floor. Why is it that some people are irresistible to watch? They are doing the same steps, as everyone else, yet there is something special about the dancer and his/her movement. Eye-catching dancing is much more than steps and patterns; it is magical. But what makes it so special?
It is hard to describe why one person’s dancing is just more interesting to watch than another. There are so many elements and layers in dancing that all work together to create an interesting and exciting dancer. Technique will certainly play some role, and nice lines and pictures do help a dancer. However, there are elements even greater than these that draw the eye of an onlooker. Personality, inner spirit, and energy are key components to a compelling dancer. With each step they do, there is a fire and energy from within that lends magic to a common movement or step.
Good technique is important. Even if the onlooker doesn’t have a trained eye and may not be able to articulate why they like that dancer, they do see the difference. A large part of good technique helps to create attractive arm and leg lines, as well as a good connection with your partner. The better one’s technique is, the better one will be able to lead or follow a dance partner with ease and grace. Good technique becomes essential in order to accomplish higher lever dancing and more difficult patterns.
But even if a dancer has good technique and knows where and how to move their arms and head, there is something more that makes a dancer interesting and enjoyable to watch. A dancer who is able to harness their energy into every inch of their body and manifest it through their movement has achieved an even greater level of dancing. It looks as if their movement is effortless and they float across the dance floor radiating energy through every digit of their body. The dancer is able to allow their personality and inner spirit to show because they have mastered the technique and can now focus on putting themselves into the movement.
Next time you’ve ?mastered? a pattern, take some time to think about what else can be done to make it more than just a step. You may just be surprised to see who surfaces from inside of you.
Zak Bauman is an instructor a the Palomar Ballroom. Please contact the ballroom to arrange private lessons if you are interested.
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