The gentleman has the greater responsibility of the partnership as he is constantly keeping an eye out to avoid a collision with aggressive dancers. He alone, decides the amalgamation of steps and if any couple zooms into his chosen path, he has to make a snap decision and choose another set of steps.
Gentlemen are usually dancing facing forward with the line of dance as he keeps an ever watchful eye while performing excellent technique.
One note to the Ladies...... Please, if you want a winning dance partnership, honor the gentleman's lead. We ladies used to jokingly say, we can do it better than the man and in high heels and backwards. But when it comes time for the real competition, ladies have to hand the lead over to their partner.
Below is an "eh-so-so" video of a guy telling other guys why they should learn ballroom dance
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No problem, I don't know how to dance so I need to have someone leading me any way! But all the points make sense why the guy is leading.
ReplyDeleteYou got the right idea. Just relax and let the man take the lead.... but this only applies to dancing. Hahaha
DeleteLike Poke The Rock, I'm happy enough being led around the floor, I'll even try not to step on his toes.
ReplyDeleteI like your new header picture.
River,
DeleteYou are a polite dancer. Men like that and you get lots of dances.
Thanks
That is one responsibility I wouldn't want.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
DeleteSo does that mean we aren't having the next waltz?
I have absolutely no problems with the gentleman leading the dance - it'll hide the fact that I have two left feet! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Old Kitty
DeleteBeside being fun, dancing is an excellent way to meet men. Just thought I'd throw that in. :)
I am with John - I would most likely "lead" me and the lady I'm dancing with in a tumble to the floor
ReplyDeleteKeith
DeleteI've always had dance partners, never dance with my husband. Once I talked him into some dance lessons from another teacher. I was watching their practice and he danced the teacher into a corner and she asked how they were going to get out. Funny. :)
LOL that sounds like something I might do.
DeleteI'm not a good dancer...and that's because I could never follow. Well...one of the reasons. hahaha
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon
DeleteIf you ever danced with a really good dancer, say, like one of the pros on DWTS, you would say you are a great dancer. They can transform you into a Ginger Rogers in a moment.
With the others too, they'd be better off dancing with a loo haha let me lead and some toes may bleed haha
ReplyDeleteOMG......with a loo???
DeleteThat would bring many stares to you.
nyuk, nyuk
I have no problems letting the man take the lead. The trouble I have, is finding a man to dance with in the first place. :D
ReplyDeleteElise
ReplyDeleteI know it's difficult to find dancing men. When they were little, they were outside, playing football, while the little girls were in the house, dancing, so they grow up not feeling confidant with dancing.
I guess you have to be bold and go up and ask the single guys to dance. All the young girls do it. I never could because I'm so much from the old school where the lady waits for the gentleman to ask her to dance. :)
Learning ballroom dance is a challenge for everyone. It's hard to turn over the lead to the guy who's fumbling around.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Mary
DeleteIf it's your husband who is the fumbler, I guess it's ok to take the lead. If a stranger fumbler, I suffer through the dance and if he asks me again, my feet hurt. LOL
Interesting information. I take it this means that in DWTS, the women celebrities are benefiting more from the men pro's expertise than the other way around. Even though they have to dance backward and in heels.
ReplyDeleteInger
DeleteIn DWTS, the professional lady will always back-lead, often throughout the whole dance. The judges know this, that a man cannot learn how to lead in a week. You are correct. The male pros usually can make most women look fairly good. Last week Len was saying something about this on DWTS.
About 7 years ago I took an old rancher who took teeny dance steps, shuffled along and bobbed all over the place and I concentrated on the waltz with him. For an old guy, he was a fast learner and improved his hold and took longer steps. When out dancing and I realized people were watching us, I'd take over the lead and he was fine with that because he too, wanted to look good. He would love it when people came over and complimented him on his dancing. But he only had the one good dance, the waltz, we never had time to practice more dances. Haha
I used to love to dance. Gave it up when I met my husband because he didn't do it ... well. :/
ReplyDeleteI've fantasized about us taking ballroom dancing lessons but I kinda think the moment has passed. Interesting A to Z theme!
Jess
DeleteI've never danced with my husband. I've always had dance partners. All dancing people do that if the spouse doesn't dance. Often it works better that way. Your husband must have hobbies that do not include you so why not take a dance class?
Thanks for stopping and the comment.
Hi dear Manzanita,
ReplyDeleteYes, it's me, gentleman Gary :) And with a watchful eye, I shall twirl you around the dance floor :) Does being swept off your feet refer to a dance move...
Happy alpheting, fair lady.
Gary
Dear Manzanita, I went back and read all your postings about dance up to and including today's. This is wonderful--to learn all this from someone who truly had "been there; done that." Who truly know dance. Thank you for the education you're offering us. I'll be back throughout the month. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteThanks for the visit and the nice comment. Come back whenever. The door is always open. Ha
Oh dear! This is one of the few times that me and Mr A have problems. You see, I won't follow his lead. The only dance we ever do together is the jive (not very well) but he keeps trying to get me to turn one way and I'm already halfway round turning the other before I realise... and I'm not sure I would want to try dancing with the guy on your video (no offence but...)
ReplyDeleteRosalind Adam is Writing in the Rain
Ros,
DeleteIf you slow down a video of a professional couple the lady will step just a split second after the man, but it won't show up to the eye. It always looks like they are stepping at the same time. Oh that guy on the vid. I was in a hurry and didn't finish watching it because it started out just... so, so and I couldn't find anything else. This morning I listened to the whole thing and what a Narcissistic stupid Arse he is. I wouldn't dance with him either. He said he's from MN and that's where I lived. I probably did dance with him. Yuck
Dancing with a partner -- gentleman or not :) -- is really hard for me. I envy the couples who glide across the floor as one being.
ReplyDeleteCool new header photo.
Bish,
DeleteYeah, I know. We always call them that in ballroom terms but that doesn't always mean they are. Ha
That header is meant for a joke. Maybe no one can read the tiny gold print that says ... I've moved. New Home. I did move and actually where I live now isn't too far off from the picture. LOL
I can see that in the Competitions that you post on here that the judges can actually better see how well the man leads. There are actually opportunities for Collision, just like on a "real" dance floor. That doesn't happen on DWTS since each couple dances individually.
ReplyDeleteI read your comments about the back-leading that happens when the pro is female. That makes total sense. The gentleman simply isn't up to the task of leading in the beginning stages of the competition. It is interesting to see that transformation begin...
Robin
DeleteI've noticed the judges mark accordingly and they know and understand. They all have "been there" and realize the dancer's fears.
I didn't know you were also into dancing. I'm so glad we share this activity.
I endorse this post wholeheartedly!! (hehe)
ReplyDeleteFrom my limited experience with partners dancing (mainly line dancing) I've always thought the women did most of the work...even if the guy is leading.
LOL typical male.
DeleteSee, Mark.... you can make the gal do anything you want (well not really ANYTHING) any dance steps. You are in control.
DeleteI thought most men would love this control but some seem a little scared of the responsibility. LOL
Yeah Mark, Don't get Terry (My Journey) and me started about men. We've talked about our experiences of our younger days, before. LOL
DeleteI have a really hard time letting anyone lead me... anywhere, anytime. When my Hubs and I slow dance. I try to take the lead.
ReplyDeleteI could cure that habit pretty fast. Many women have that feeling that they are going to get stepped on and hurry to get out of the way of the man's feet. It happens because the man isn't using the correct hold. I think that is next post for H. The hold is (without a doubt) the most important part of dancing. Just watch DWTS next time. (Mon or Tues). Their arms are wide and the strength comes from the middle of the back. Many social dancers mistakenly keep their elbows down like a wet noodle. With arms like this, the lady can never feel what the man wants her to do. The proper hold is the way the male indicates to lady when to step, when to turn, etc. And with the proper hold, the lady knows exactly when the gentleman is starting to take a step and the male can never step on the lady's feet. Whew.... I've given a dance lesson. Didn't mean to.
DeleteDid you get your contacts?
What's really awesome is when you do let the lead lead and you finally find "The Zone."
ReplyDeleteJoy
DeleteThank you for the visit and commenting. It is nice to meet you.
Since my husband doesn't dance, neither do I. We mosey around, try not to run into anyone.
ReplyDeleteSusan
DeleteMoseying around is a good thing to know for weddings, etc. when you are expected to get out on the dance floor a little. I don't even socially mosey anymore. Ha
I don't dance at your level (not even close), but I do enjoy dancing with a man who can lead. I'm happy to yield!
ReplyDeleteGalen
DeleteMy level is gone. I don't dance socially at all anymore. I still teach a few classes but mostly flamenco. You are a smart dancer to allow your partner to lead.
And, here I thought 'G' was going to be for 'Gams.'
ReplyDeleteYours is way more classy.
Al
DeleteI never even thought of "gams." But it would fit... baby, show them gams.
Interesting information! Good to know a bit more. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHello Shipa
DeleteThanks for seeking a little more on my life journey of dance.
There's nothing more enjoyable than dancing with a guy who really knows how to lead. The problem is all the guys who think they know how, but they really don't.
ReplyDeleteKellie
DeleteYou said it but how do you argue with an ego?
I guess guys like to think they are the ones in control. I guess we can always think that women are the power behind the dancing feet.
ReplyDeleteKay
DeleteThat may work as long as we get our feet out of their way. LOL
The funny thing is that--at least in my part of the world--men also have a hard time leading. It's as though they've accepted female independence and autonomy to such a degree that they balk at even suggesting, let alone imposing, their own will. It's definitely something to think about :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Gullie,
DeleteI think women have lost a lot with their feminism ..... what have they really gained?
Your take on all this dance info. is so interesting. The guys should lead, but you know it isn't always that way. It's funny how much of dance can really be related to life in general.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, dear Manzi! I had the same feeling while reading that you are describing how's that everything in real life.. ;)
ReplyDelete