Performance. Sure you need perfect technique and musicality but...

[cornutt]

There's in no love in where we're suppose to show love. But then again, it's telling us to show everyone that we love each other while DP's BF is on the floor competing against us. 

Sounds to me like that's the perfect time.   

Actually, this deserves a serious response, but I haven't got time to write it now.  Maybe tonight.

[elisedance]

great advice - we definitely tend to focus too much on our technique - not only are we missing theother key element but it can make us look stiff and robotic - and as you say, as if we really would rather be anywhere other than on the dance floor!

[SwingWaltz]

its partnershp with a big as well as a small 'p'.

Which is?

[elisedance]

its partnershp with a big as well as a small 'p'.

Which is?

me being a bit obtuse I suppose.
What i meant was that a dance partnershp is on one level two people who routinely dance together to perfect their art.  however, performance wise its also the depiction of a life partnershp - you project a relationship.
Does that make sense now?

[SwingWaltz]

Ah! Yes it does!

We need to take acting classes together. 

[elisedance]

not a bad idea at all.  Classes exploring and depicting a dance type...

[Bordertangoman]

get a prescription for Diaghileviagra

[elisedance]

..sounds like something to give you hickups..

[QPO]

When I watch the competitors that really draw my eyes, what they are able to convey is that there isn't anyplace on earth they would rather be than dancing.  So you not only have to be enjoying yourself you have to project that outwardly.  One way I practice that is to put on music I absolutely love, and just let the music do the dancing, not worry about the technique, just dance.  I think you have to practice your performance skills, just like your technical skills.  When you practice only one technical skill, sometimes you lose another quality, but eventually, you incorporate it into your dancing. The same with perfomance skills, I think. 

So true...and we miss your input 

[Bordertangoman]

get a prescription for Diaghileviagra

:lol: sometimes I even amuse myself!

[QPO]

get a prescription for Diaghileviagra

:lol: sometimes I even amuse myself!

i could tell you a story about a 76 year old and that stuff..but I wont

[cdnsalsanut]

I agree that technical proficiency isn't the most important thing when performing in competition. It's the "it" factor.

I think the "it" factor has been described quite well: that the couple looks like they're having fun and enjoying dancing together, that they are smiling, that they are smiling FOR THE AUDIENCE, that they are confident but also interact with the audience and show personality.

At my studio we are reminded to smile while we dance.

[elisedance]

.......
At my studio we are reminded to smile while we dance.

Yup.  But is a fake looking smile better than none?  I think it depends on the person.....

[QPO]

.......
At my studio we are reminded to smile while we dance.

Yup.  But is a fake looking smile better than none?  I think it depends on the person.....

we have one lady dancer that has an underbite and when she smiles it looks fake but it actually genuine...

[samina]

i don't think there's any substitute for that Well-being that allows someone to feel that all is well with the world, that is feels so good being in a body, moving it about, expressing through it, and connecting with someone, "feelin' the luv" of just being alive. when i look at dancers with great charisma, that's what i see them experiencing... no resistance in their bodies and beings to that Well-being, which gives them great Presence.

the less resistance, the more well-being, the more presence. and we love it because everyone in their heart-of-hearts wants to feel the joy that pure Well-being gives. it's that quality that made Einstein say "dancers are God's athletes".

i think every other point one could make on the subject leads ultimately to that piece. that's how i see it, anyway.