There Are No Such Things As Steps

In our very first classes we are often taught by reproducing a series of 'steps' demonstrated by our instructor.

We are given the essential building blocks of a movement in the most basic form possible. This is great -for a very limited time. In fact, the usefulness of step-based instruction pretty much ends with the basic step. Note the word basic.

In Salsa, once your body has accepted the idea of '3 steps and a slowed weight shift' it's time to start thinking in terms of movements, and not steps.

Let's examine the existing schema in place regarding steps.

Your first baby steps were clumsy.

Stair steps are jagged.

Steps in general, lack gradient.

Is it beneficial to think of any kind of dance as a series of steps? Perhaps the hokey pokey.

Now what comes to mind when thinking about movement?

I think all of us could benefit by a small shift in thinking. Let's totally reframe our idea of dance.

Thinking of dance as a series of movements will create an entirely different feel for your lead/follow.

Follows especially, when you think steps, you feel like steps. If steps are what is going through your mind, your lead will feel every single step as well.

When a follow focuses on her movement, she feels like movement. Dancing with follows, I can immediately tell whether they focus on steps or movement. This way of thinking is difficult to teach, but easy to accept and absorb if you truly want to improve.

When a lead becomes focused on his movement, he is no longer staring at the stars, counting in his head, because he has accepted that he knows how to walk and doesn't need to focus consciously on where his feet are on any given count.

Step-based instruction is a tool for teaching the most basic movements of any dance. Think of it as the 'training wheels'.

Once you get the hang of riding a bike, the two extra wheels create unnecessary friction and only serve to slow you down.

I say we ditch the training wheels.

Eduardo

http://www.pasodancestudios.com