The only couple on the floor....

[elisedance]

Ever have to do a competition where you are not only the only couple in your heat but also the only couple on the floor?  Happened to us last night.  It was so interesting because the dynamic shifted from between us through the other couples to the judges, to us directly to the audience.  I danced for the spectators totally - really for my first time.

[I decided to put the rest of this story, and what it means to me, in my blog...
http://partnerdanceonline.com/index.php?topic=576.new#new ]

[Lioness]

I usually dislike being the only couple on the floor. Sure, we can relax, but everyone will be looking at us, so we're usually more scared to stuff up. It happens a fair bit at smaller comps, so we've gotten used to it, but because we're still low-level, there's this massive overpowering feeling that at least 3/4 of the audience is silently noting what we can improve on.

[elisedance]

I usually dislike being the only couple on the floor. Sure, we can relax, but everyone will be looking at us, so we're usually more scared to stuff up. It happens a fair bit at smaller comps, so we've gotten used to it, but because we're still low-level, there's this massive overpowering feeling that at least 3/4 of the audience is silently noting what we can improve on.

Well, put yourself in the other position - watching a beginning couple who are on the floor by themselves.  Is that what you think about?  I hope not - most people look to see what you do well, not badly (which is opposite, I fear, from what most judges do ).  You spectate to enjoy, not destroy.

If thats the case then the same is happening when you are out there.  That step is such an important one since if you are anything like me at all, there is great sustenance to be gained from the audience...

[standarddancer]

Just relax and having fun!!! treat it as a show dance, it's fun

[catsmeow]

I was part of that audience watching your showcase dance  that night ED.  Well done !

[QPO]

yes we have been only only couple of the floor many times even when we were newbies. but I thought to myself people will be looking at you if there is more than one, and I have seen so many youngster do it so if they are brave enough then so can I. Now i dont care like others have said treat it like a show case and enjoy the time

[SwingWaltz]

Yep! If the kiddies can do it, so can we! 

[elisedance]

Yep! If the kiddies can do it, so can we! 

The kiddies don't seem to notice!  I think its harder for us, the expectations are higher...

[Rugby]

Our very first competition we were the only ones in Pre-Bronze standard.  We went out on the floor with at least 200 people watching us.  I didn't mind at all but was surprised when people started clapping and calling our number out.  I thought another couple must have come out with us and I hadn't noticed as why would they be yelling our number out if we were the only ones.  Of course some time later I realized that they were trying to be encouraging and give us support being we were out on this huge floor alone and it was our first time out.  Since this time we have been the only ones on the floor a couple of times more but in latin.  We knew that no matter what we did it didn't matter so we really went for it and decided to put on a show.  We had a great time and it was probably the best we ever danced.

[QPO]

I am happy to be out on the floor if I am on my own or in a group....I take what I can get