When I watch couples dancing to really fast music, those who stand out as excellent dancers are the ones who make the dance seem effortless. As I watch them, I forget how fast the music actually is. The dancers move with great speed and accuracy yet it is not their speed that catches my attention; it is the graceful and effortless manner in which they glide across the dance floor.
More often then not, however, dancers become flustered when faced with the challenges of fast music. They tense up, their shoulders rise up to their ears, and their smiles become forced and frown-like. In an effort to gain greater stability, they move their hips back and stick their bums out, a reaction that throws them even further off balance and makes them heavy on their feet. I find it painful to watch a dancer who is tensed and stressed by the music. I know that the dancer is not having much fun and I find it almost unpleasant to watch.
I often find myself talking to them in my head. I’ll say things like: “Just relax. It’s not that fast at all. Hold your slows. Don’t forget to breathe now. Relax. Relax. Relax.”
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