Boogie Woogie India

How to be a Perfect Dancing Partner? Have you ever wondered if you qualify as a perfect dancing partner? Are you aware of dance etiquettes?

In life there are so many things we need to improve on. We learn something or the other every day. No one is perfect but then there are so many sources available these days that we sure can take ourselves close by to being perfect. At least in smaller areas we sure can pay attention so that the others who need to deal with us don’t have to suffer.

When you perform on Boogie Woogie and qualify for the next rounds, there is always a partner round that you have to face. They choose a partner for you and you need to perform with this another person keeping in mind that you need to qualify to next level. It is your duty to make sure you get along well and make your partner comfortably dance with you. The partner you are given may be a better dancer or a worse dancer or may match up to your energies – it’s all a risky business. Even though on Boogie Woogie as we saw lately that the marks are not given to the partner but only to the contestant but you and your partner’s dance does contributes to whether you qualify to next level or not. So what are the essentials that you need to keep in mind that can show a great chemistry between you and your partner? What are the etiquettes that play an important role in making your partner feel at ease and give his or her best towards your performance?

Well there is couple of things that you need to keep in mind.

Dancing with a partner requires a certain degree of physical closeness. Good hygiene before and during your dance is essential and it shows respect and consideration for other dancers. Cleanliness is of prime importance and you definitely don’t want your dancing partner to get put off or pay less attention due to hygiene. I would advice – when you are introduced to your dancing partner and before your rehearsal, know him or her a little better. For example, find out if this person likes perfumes and stuff. It’s better to find out before in case this person is allergic or does not like the smell of perfumes so that you are not dancing with a partner who has his or her head turned in opposite direction to avoid you and your perfume. But make sure to use deodorants. They are must. And if possible carry your deodorant in your bag. During the dance breaks, make sure to use them after you freshen up yourself.

As we talked earlier about the closeness in dancing, a lot of times when we dance, we are aware of each other’s breath. So make sure to brush your teeth before dancing and also carry some gum or mints along with you. At least if you are mint fresh and your partner is not then you can always lend them some mints. No harm in trying to make your performance better right?

Now let’s get on to the most important stuff that can irritate a partner. Sweat!!

Some dancers sweat a little and some sweat a lot. If you are in the latter category, then it is better to carry an additional pair of clothing. Something in cotton would be great. A fresh shirt or at least a toweling off will make you more appealing to your dance partners as it is no fun to dance with a dripping partner. Best thing to do is to wear an undershirt. An undershirt will soak up sweat and the sweat will take longer to reach the outer shirt. While you might feel a little uncomfortable with a wet undershirt but at least your partner don’t have to feel the wet shirt on you. Carry a hand towel too so that you can wipe off the perspiration between your dances.

Now let’s come to the next part to take care while dancing with a partner.

Be aware of your dance partner: Smile and make eye contact with your partner. Making eye contact does not mean you stare at her or him. Always remain focused on your partner while you are dancing. Be aware of how they are moving and what they are doing wrong. Not only this is a great dance technique but it also makes the dance more fun for both of you. And if you both are having fun, judges are happier – the happier they are the better points for you.

Dance Level: Always dance at your partner’s level. If you are unfamiliar with your partner, start basic and work up. The goal are for both individuals to have fun and to dance together and not outdo each other or show off how much better you know then your dancing partner. If your dancing partner fails to match up or you fail to show as a combine performance it is no good. Remember you are not in solo performance – you and your partner need to be perfectly synched. While you practice, if you feel that your partner is slower in energies, then you must slow down to match up to him or her. Remember “No synch = Failed performance”.

Personal Space: Be aware that not everyone is comfortable dancing close to someone that he or she might not know of. When leading, you should try to sense how much space your partner needs. Respect the space that she or he is comfortable with and dance within that distance.

Never Criticize: The most important thing is not to criticize your partner. Remember no criticism during rehearsals, no criticism on performance day. Whether you passed your round or failed it, don’t judge it as it was due to your dancing partner. A lot of times what we see from our point of view is entirely different from another’s point of view. There are judges to judge whose fault it was. So relax and accept the outcome with dignity. Passing or failing a dance round is only temporary but failing on being friends is permanent. Plus we all learn at different speeds and each of us has our own quirks and weaknesses, we need to remain supportive of one another. Know that your partner is doing the best they can so try to make their dance as enjoyable as possible.

However if your partner is physically hurting you, you should let them know as tactfully as possible.

Next time we shall talk about dancing with different levels of skilled partners.