Dance Introspection

[edge_of_within]

Talking with a fellow dancer last night about other people's dance styles, I realized we don't really know much about our own dance styles, from an outside point of view.

If you've danced with me, or watched me dance - how would you describe my dance style?
Be as descriptive (or simple) as you'd like.

Comments

[miss_mimsy]

You have said it yourself, you prefer to dance with accomplished partners. I take it as a compliment that you have included me in that number.

Your lead is clear. You do a good job of making your partner look good. I echo the comments above when I say trust you as a lead. You seem to have a good idea of your partners limitations. When I have seen you perform (and I usually saw you at least once per day during Dickens run) you always look like you are enjoying yourself and your fellow dancers seem to enjoy you. Your "dance smile" is infectious.

I would call you a good dancer. I would call you an excellent performer. I would also compliment you on being a technically skilled dancer. By my definition, I would not call you an accomplished dancer.

I think that you are missing something by not dancing with a partner whose rhythm isn't perfect or who is inexperienced or is just not someone you prefer. IMHO an accomplished dancer can dance with any partner and give them an enjoyable turn around the floor. An accomplished dancer has enough technical skill to dance with a partner of much lesser skill and leave that person with improved technique. An accomplished dancer can dance in a group and not stand out. If I had to compare you to anyone it would be Joe. You are good and I think a bit more athletic, but I still perceive him as a "better" dancer because he has that quality. I feel like any woman will look good dancing with him. Somehow this shows up when I see him dance on stage.

However, I have to be honest, my comments are the words of someone who will likely never perform as a dancer. I can get away with a lack of technique and style, because no one is watching me. I think that if I were in a position similar to yours, I would be more interested in technique and style and choose my partners on a different metric.

[edge_of_within]

(in order)

I do. I'm old(er), and honestly afraid for my feet/shins with newer partners. I do not hate newbs, but there's little I fear more than not being able to dance. For starters, I have permanent shin-splints - I have visible broken blood vessels up and down my shins that have been there for years. I don't heal like I used to, and my shins don't seem interested in healing at all (unless I give up dancing).
Compliment - you should :)

Additionally - when I go to a dance - PEERS/Gaskells/FNW/etc, I know more than half the crowd. There just aren't enough waltes/dances to fit in everyone I know (and therefore, want to dance with). As I'm already stuck not being able to dance with every friend I want to - someone explain to me why I would give up dancing with more friends to dance with bad dancers that I don't know. (yes, making friends is nice, but making friends got me into this situation) I'm honestly amazed that I still get flack for not dancing with new people. If they'd like a lesson, I'll make them 5 times better than they were before it.

Performing - thank you. that means a lot.

I'm going to attempt to rely on Laurel to chime in on me dancing with new/imperfect dancers, but there are quite a few others in our scene I've danced with since before they knew how in the past couple years (Michaela, etc.).

I refuse to give partners unsolicited advise on the social dance floor - see comment above.

I am unaware what it's like to not want to stand out ;)

Joe - you've found my weakness!!
Joe is fantastic - I can only mirror your sentiments.

Thanks very much for the comments/compliments/criticisms.

Token noob here.

[water_of_fire]

someone explain to me why I would give up dancing with more friends to dance with bad dancers that I don't know.

Wow.

Yeah, I've got nothing. I hope this sort of viewpoint continues to get you what you want. Which is... to be seen as a technically proficient dancer who'd be really wonderful if he were able to muster some grace, humility and kindness about it, I suppose?