Don't take up Jive
A revolution in dancing has begun. No more sexism. No more misogyny. What is more, dancing is more fun. More fun for both men and women when we share the lead.
It all began in the first few months of 2020. I made a move up for a Laura. Before I showed her the new move it struck me that I could double its length. This time with her in front of me rather than behind. Then that light bulb moment we have from time to time, we could share the lead. This move could be used to hand the lead over to her mid dance.
The lockdowns interrupted progress, but when we were able to dance again in the autumn, we put it to the test. This is no gimmick. This is something that makes dancing very exciting. Me and my dance partner were dancing twice as much as everyone else. Lead sharing expands the scope tremendously.
It is absolute genius in many respects. For a start there is no long learning curve. Why? Because the women can simply learn one move to begin with. They can then hand the lead back. Week by week they can add moves at their own pace with no pressure. Bit by bit they can have a bigger share.
It gives men something too. Many become bored with the endless cycle of going over beginner moves week after week. Now they can learn the follow as well. It makes it much more interesting. It can get the men off the hook. When a dance is not going swimmingly, they can hand over the lead to the lady and let her have a go.
The book outlines all the issues that were confronted and how they were resolved. Read the story of the highs and highs of how we progressed and overcame difficulties. Read about the result and how it will transform the way people view dancing forever more.
As for fun? There is also something special in lead sharing that makes it even more fun. I need not spoil it for you can discover what I discovered in the book. Dance can be play too. Deeper friendships form in lead sharing. Old traditional male led dancing is for the past and for die hards only. You too can join the party. You too can learn how to get much more from dancing than ever before.
The handover move: Laura's move
Lead takes follower's right hand with their right hand. Both step back, left leg lead, right leg follower. Both step inwards and follower is turned anti-clockwise 360 degrees. Followers right arm is placed on leader's left shoulder. Lead places right leg over left leg. Leader holds their head and turns 108 degrees anti-clockwise under follower's arm. Leader places follower's right arm on right shoulder. Both leader and follower steps forward with right leg. The follower may optionally place left arm on leader's left shoulder. Both leader and follower steps back with right leg. Each step forward and back is accompanied by a gradual lowering of the right arms. When arms are at waist height the leader moves to the right. The leader swaps the follower's right hand into the leader's left hand. The leader leads left arm down and to their left to invite a wrap in. The follower turns 360 degrees clockwise and raises left arm to shoulder height at the right side of body. Followers' left palm is raised vertically. Leader connects palms and pushes follower to unwrap anti-clockwise 360 degrees.
The follower becomes the leader, and the ex-leader is now the follower. The move continues in a symmetrical fashion. The leader moves to the right with the follower's right hand kept at waist height. The leader steps back and forth with their right leg raising their right arm. When the arms are at shoulder height the leader crosses their right leg over their left leg. The leader turns anti-clockwise 180 degrees to face the follower. The leader moves arm behind their neck, leans back and has follower's right arm over leader's left shoulder. The leader raises their right arm over their head and turns the follower 360 degrees anti-clockwise.
Masterclass lead sharing
If lead sharing is not your cup of tea how about masterclass lead sharing. Lead sharing with style and aplomb. Only those that are prepared to learn and suffer untold humiliation need apply. This is not the easiest thing in the dance world to achieve. To gain a badge one will need to demonstrate quite a few competencies. You will be given no choice as to which to perform on the night of the test.
Trust actions.
(An injury waiver must be signed beforehand holding only you and your partner responsible for misadventure)
Forward fall.
Stand 1.1M apart from your partner. (Adjusted according to height of tallest participant). Fall in together and push apart with both hands. Both parties must not move their feet.
Balanced lean back.
Stand with one person's feet level, on the outside of their partner's feet. Both lean back and look skywards. Return partway and release hands for 2 seconds and then return to standing position with feet remaining in start position. Bonus credit given if one party has right leg tucked in between legs of other hooking right foot around right leg of other. (Wrap right leg around left leg of other and in between their legs).
Leading or following blindfolded.
One party will be led or asked to lead for 3 minutes competently with eyes closed.
Lead sharing
Jive in a jolly fashion using traditional moves to an art deco song. Perform the lead swap (Laura's move) at the 90 second point.
Lead and lead swap to a routine given on the night.
(No prior practice) Routine will be displayed twice and partner consultation time of 3 minutes will be given.
Dance with passion
Demonstrate a good lead and lead swap with a personally preferred genre of style attached to jive. Maybe Rock or Tango. It must be predominantly lead and follow and contain plenty of well known and less well-known jive moves. Please be prepared for early termination if passion is missing. You choose the moves, you choose the song - 5 mins minimum. Any belief that the leader is there to make the follower look good ought to be discarded.
Performance art
Confidence is required and a clear demonstration is needed for this.
Robot routine. Coin toss for roboteer.
A routine of your own making that proves you have imagination.
Spin
Get dizzy. Some may elect to decline this. A certain allowance will be given for those too world weary. However, one must have shown something extra in other areas.
Link right arm to right arm and turn 30 revolutions in close to 45 seconds.
Hold hands with feet in front of one another. Turn 30 revolutions in close to 45 seconds. Perform two conservation of angular momentum inward pulls.
The badge
In the unlikely event that one or both participants perform to a reasonable standard they will be awarded a bright copper plated badge with selenium infill. The test will be video recorded solely for judging purposes. No explanation or reasons will be given for the inevitable recurrent failures to pass. Badges will be taken off those that are found to break the dancing code at a later date. Never refuse. Dance with all.
You are welcome to read a book about you, me and everyone else. Some of you will get to understand what drives us all.
When you look up into the night sky you may be able to make out the odd star, but light pollution prevents you from seeing much. Go to the "middle of nowhere" and the spectacle is very different. You see it all. This book is like that. Every facet of human behaviour becomes clear, the psychology, our dreams, our aspirations, our wishes and wants. It is all uncovered.
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