Last week, our dance community engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas and questions. Members were particularly focused on the nuances of technique, with lively debates about timing in choreography and the effectiveness of certain training tools. There was also a strong interest in the technical aspects of leading and following in partner dances. Discussions were rich with shared experiences and professional advice, making for a truly informative week.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Merce and the stopwatch question
A fascinating discussion on the role of timing and precision in dance, with references to Merce Cunningham’s methods. This is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of choreography and technology. Read more here
Floor tape 1, strategy 0
This thread delves into the practical use of floor tape in rehearsals and performances. It’s a great conversation for those looking to optimize space and enhance their spatial awareness on stage. Read more here
Calibrating the lead for the salida cruzada
Perfect for partner dance enthusiasts, this topic explores the delicate balance of leading the salida cruzada in tango. Participants are sharing tips on improving communication through movement. Read more here
Pressure insoles for jump landings
Dancers are discussing the benefits of using pressure insoles to prevent injuries during jump landings. This is particularly relevant for those looking to enhance performance while maintaining joint health. Read more here
Looking forward to another week of enriching discussions. Keep sharing your experiences and insights.
In class I’ve been using a polyrhythm metronome at 4:3 and letting the accent slide — set 120 bpm and practice ‘arrive on the and’ without chasing counts: https://muted.io/polyrhythm/ (it’s brain yoga, in a good way). For partner work, I switch to breath-led cues so the follower feels weight before shape — @Jae, tiny caveat: if it gets too cerebral it kills groove, so keep one pass purely musical.
And tried something during last week’s timing debates: instead of counts, I run a 30-second stopwatch for a phrase and aim to “land on breath, not beat,” then check drift at 10/20/30s markers. When leading/following, a soft exhale as the pre-cue keeps us together even if the music’s independent a la Merce. Small caveat: use a vibration timer (watch/phone) as the training tool so you’re not glued to a screen.
Quick partner drill: no music, follower eyes closed, lead a phrase and aim their center to ‘settle’ on 4, then bring the track back to check drift. If it keeps creeping, @marissa_lee91, I switch to a tiny down-bounce in my base instead of more arm tone. Great for clean mechanics, but in fast socials it can dull the groove, so I use it as a reset.
@marissa_ what’s helped me is a metronome with random mutes (Tempo Advance: mute 2 of every 4 bars at 120); I load the knee on my internal 1 and breathe the pickup so when the click returns I’m still on it. If the floor’s cooking, I shorten the mute to a bar so it doesn’t kill the groove.