What activities give you an edge with learning partner dancing?

[elisedance]

NZGUY mentioned that cricketers might have a lot of actions that would make it easy for them to do standard ballroom (by all means expand here).  And this made me wonder what other activities/jobs of hobbies that are not directly related (such as ballet for example) might give you an edge when you took up partner dancing?

Moving would be a starter!  Thats not a joke - a lot of people sit behind a desk most of their lives and loose some of their muscles.  The small muscles in the feet are vulnerable.  But beyond the fundamental what else?  Some time ago we talked about playing music and dancing - I seem to remember that it was a mixed bag...

[Lioness]

I was a gymnast as a child...gave me a very strong core and a good sense of balance...I'm pretty sure that's helped a bit.

[elisedance]

Wow, I bet!!  Hard to imagine a better physical start...

[QPO]

well I am sure that some physical activities would be better than others as for example, swimmers would use a different muscle group to say a runner....
anything that offers flexibility would be great and gymnastics would certainly offer that.

I did a lot of dancing when I was younger Jazz Ballet etc. Also did calisthenics.....an ability to be active....even though I sit behind a computer I have always been heavily involved in things like gym, walking etc. and goal driven.....

[elisedance]

I think its different for the lead and follower.  Both have to be fit, have flexibility and body consciousness.  However, the man has to be musical and the woman has to be expressive.  He has to remain cool - so maybe macho interests like race car driving, contact sports etc are good whereas the woman has to be able to let herself go and have faith.  Not sure where that is learned - high diving??   

[ZPomeroy]

From what i hear the martial arts is very good for dancers, the way we as dancers move from foot to foot and trying to keep a low center of gravity as a partnership is apparently very similar to the basic techniques used in all martial arts..

Zac

[elisedance]

From what i hear the martial arts is very good for dancers, the way we as dancers move from foot to foot and trying to keep a low center of gravity as a partnership is apparently very similar to the basic techniques used in all martial arts..

Zac

True, I've known a few dancers that took up martial arts after beginning training - and then some gave it up when they realized they could break something!  There are, however, non-contact forms that would be amazing.

[Spiral]

I did fencing before picking up ballroom. You have to be very aware of your opponent. If he/she moves, you have to respond very quickly, usually by moving yourself, otherwise you get hit. I think it helped me with my following skills. I remember my instructor commenting on how light I felt very early on in my dancing. At the time I didn't know if it was a compliment or criticism

[elisedance]

I did fencing before picking up ballroom. You have to be very aware of your opponent. If he/she moves, you have to respond very quickly, usually by moving yourself, otherwise you get hit. I think it helped me with my following skills. I remember my instructor commenting on how light I felt very early on in my dancing. At the time I didn't know if it was a compliment or criticism

That sounds fantastic - just the thing for following! 

So when your instructor told you did you decide to become more heavy?

[Spiral]

I did fencing before picking up ballroom. You have to be very aware of your opponent. If he/she moves, you have to respond very quickly, usually by moving yourself, otherwise you get hit. I think it helped me with my following skills. I remember my instructor commenting on how light I felt very early on in my dancing. At the time I didn't know if it was a compliment or criticism

That sounds fantastic - just the thing for following! 

So when your instructor told you did you decide to become more heavy?

No, I was too shy to burden him with myself As with everything, I was pretending not to be there

[Bordertangoman]

 A predisposition to asking awkward questions at about 3pm

[elisedance]

A predisposition to asking awkward questions at about 3pm

[Some guy]

I've heard that drunken style Kung Fu is the best for Standard.  They cross train the Olympic ballroom dancers in certain Asian countries with that and Tai Chi.

[elisedance]

....drunken style Kung Fu ...

[Bordertangoman]

....drunken style Kung Fu ...

here you go, cheers, hic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znMn3L--bag