1 Concepts of Leading and Following

The leader 

In dancing, two people must learn to move as one. The leader sets the stage by having a sense of rhythm, knowledge of steps and patterns, and an air of confidence as they move across the dance floor. Dancing can be as intriguing as one can be creative.

LEADING

Six basic principles of being an effective leader:

1. Good posture.
2. Ability to shift one’s body weight ahead of foot movement. Projecting security and support through body language.
3. Apply cues to initiate new patterns or directions. Knowledge and integration of basic steps with variations. Awareness of changing tempos and styles.
4. Body language is key to making dancing natural, enjoyable, and engaging.
5. Good posture, hand pressure, arm action, and body tension may enhance one’s performance and assure one’s partner that they are in good hands.

General Rules for Leading: 

1. Embrace your partner confidently and not timidly. Determine the tempo and style before starting.
2. Begin dancing to the accented beat.
3. Start each step and initiate each change with a left-foot lead. Be sure your partner feels comfortable in one pattern before moving to another.
4. Start with easy movements before attempting more complex steps or patterns.
5. Accentuate the initial lead when making a transition in pattern.
6. Adapt your steps to accommodate your partners.

FOLLOWING

General Rules for Following: 

1. 1. Quickly adapt to your partner’s rhythm or style.
2.  A relaxed posture will facilitate the transition from one movement to another.
3. Keep the back arched to provide some resistance.
4. Maintain eye contact without staring.
5. A good knowledge of basic foot movements and leading techniques is essential.
6. Maintain good posture and poise.
7. Make your steps comparable to his.
8. Refrain from trying to anticipate your partner’s lead!
9. Offer slight resistance so the leader is required to give a strong, definite lead.