Matching the Resistance in Dance Frame

Tonight was a a true test in my ability to follow. The most difficult
skill I have finally been able to master. You see, one of my favorite
dancers has a elbow injury to his left arm. And as a true dancer, I
know that you will understand, you can only stay away from dancing
for so long. 

This is where my ability to follow, with him just
leading with his right hand comes in to play. If done correctly, a
leader is able to lead a follower around the dance floor with just
that connection. To my amazement, I passed the test!

To create that "connection" with your partner in the closed ballroom
position, it is important for the lower part of the follower's left
shoulder blade to "match the resistance" into the leader's right
hand. The follower can accomplish this by pulling her left shoulder
back and down, pressing into the leader's hand. If the follower
does not match the resistance, the leader finds it much more
difficult to lead. Without any connection with the shoulder blade,
dancing would be nearly impossible.

"Matching the resistance", is also known as The Law of Opposition.
It tells us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. A
push meets with a push. A pull meets with a pull. In dance, the
resistance is NOT actually pushing or pulling. It is a matching
"reaction" to the "action" of the lead. The natural tendency to
"yield" to a "lead" rather than to match the natural resistance is
a real problem for many dancers.

Once you have master this connection, you will be able to dance
beautifully with anyone that has mastered the art of leading.

Please share your experiences with our other members in our blog
discussion area:
www.learntoballroomdanceonline.com

Happy Dancing,

Michele@learntoballroomdanceonline.com