How long does it take for you to try a new...

pattern, styling, footwork, etc. on the social dance floor? (Do you use it right after you were just taught it, like to spend a lesson or two to really get used to it before taking it out, etc.)

I've been taught new footwork and styling, and I have a hard time getting the courage to actually try it out when I'm social dancing. Not that I don't want to, because I do spend time practicing it on my own, but when it actually comes time to use it with someone else, I get nervous and chicken out. haha (and yeah, I still need to learn that it's ok to make mistakes and look silly sometimes... especially when you're learning something new.)

I remember once when I had it in my head that I was going to do something new and was going to force myself to try it out. I was so determined to pull it off, I misread the lead and of course botched it... oops! lol Ever since that incident, I've been even less inclined to try out new stuff.

It's weird because I keep wanting to take it to the "next" level, but when it actually comes down to it, I'm too nervous and would rather stick to the basics that are safe and comfortable to me. I can't wait until I get get past this wall/hurdle of mine...

I think we all feel that way.
I'm working on a couple of things in West Coast, adding classic elements and moves, and adding a Buddy Ebsen "routine" to one of the line dances I do. It's a combination of practicing something new, and practicing and practicing, and having a partner who is OK with you "messing up". Some people get really upset if something "doesn't go right". Those are not the people try new things with, I'd say. Meanwhile, I've taken to telling my favorite partners, "Thanks for putting up with me", just in case.

Interesting that this is brought up; I've got a couple new ones that I haven't yet tried, but want to do so at the next dance this Saturday. I keep going over them in my mind and practicing them by myself.

Exactly. And "how long" it is before you try it out and/or get in "right" is directly releated to how much you practice.

And these two that I refer to are ones that I observed being taught in a group class just before the dance rather than participating in the class personally. Anyone else here learn moves from observation rather than active participation?

Spitfire said:

Anyone else here learn moves from observation rather than active participation?

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Fairly often, which I find somewhat odd, as understanding how a move is supposed to feel (effortless, yes, but effortless has lots of different expressions) is a key milestone for me.

But for the last few years, when I've been at a class or workshop, I normally sit on the side observing, and then try the material for myself during the break. I don't actually recommend that approach, but it does seem to work for me (for some value of work).

Dancelf said:

But for the last few years, when I've been at a class or workshop, I normally sit on the side observing, and then try the material for myself during the break. I don't actually recommend that approach, but it does seem to work for me (for some value of work).

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I agree that it's not the best way, but it has in some instances worked for me.

For me, there are basically three stages of taking new class/workshop material out on the dance floor.

The first step is trying out my new technique or pattern on somebody who was in class with me. They have a feel for where it is supposed to end up. Plus, they are more forgiving of mistakes because they were just in the class with me.

Then, I like to try things out with some good friends. We dance lots together and get to try different stuff. So if something doesn't work, they are quick to tell me and we can mess with adjusting.

Finally, taking my new skill out to the whole dance community and seeing if it still works. I always figure I don't really have something figured out until it actually works with almost any dancer I try it with.

Anyone else here learn moves from observation rather than active participation?

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If copping moves from old, and contemporary films and descriptions of dance steps counts, most certainly!

How long to try a new pattern, styling, etc on social dancd floor

As soon as possible, with a woman who has danced with me a lot and knows me, and only after I feel comfortable with one of them will I do it with a "stranger". That could be the second tune of the dance if it goes well the first time, or not ever if it never feels really comfortable.

JustLiving08 said:

How long does it take for you to try a new... pattern, styling, footwork, etc. on the social dance floor?..

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--Carey

As soon as I have the opportunity! After all, like Al Pacino says in Scent of a Woman, [something like] "Life is like Tango: if you get tangled up, just tango on..." In other words, it's for fun, so if it does not quite work out, go on to the next figure...

new footwork?

I have this thing.. If I am looking at a WCS event and there are footwork classes.. I go somewhere else. It feels like for most of the night, followers are looking at their feet and so focused on footwork, that they forget to dance. Kind of like dancing with a tennis ball on the end of a string.

bclure said:

I have this thing.. If I am looking at a WCS event and there are footwork classes.. I go somewhere else. It feels like for most of the night, followers are looking at their feet and so focused on footwork, that they forget to dance. Kind of like dancing with a tennis ball on the end of a string.

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I take exception to that! I was just at an event, learned some new footwork, and tried out some of the steps right away on the social floor with no problems.

However, in agreement with your point, I will only do it if I know that I really can fit it in smoothly while dancing. If I think I will have trouble incorporating new footwork, I won't try it out socially right away. I'll practice first and take it out on the floor when I'm ready.

jennyisdancing said:

I take exception to that! I was just at an event, learned some new footwork, and tried out some of the steps right away on the social floor with no problems.

However, in agreement with your point, I will only do it if I know that I really can fit it in smoothly while dancing. If I think I will have trouble incorporating new footwork, I won't try it out socially right away. I'll practice first and take it out on the floor when I'm ready.

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We all learn in different ways...