Paul Warden and Cat Wiles West Coast Swing Windsor Workshop

[Aner2557]

Grand - So check out Jason here - Barnes & Cox.avi. I believe this is totally improv. Jessica who is far from my favorite dancer (but killer "form"...:-) ) with the imagination of an old cucumber - whereas Paul has Cat who is a much better dancer AND his regular partner. Jason still looks better despite these rugged conditions.... (though I am open to other input.).

[grandcarriage1]

@Aner2557 , sorry. Can't agree. Although I do like Jason's dancing a lot, I think he lack fluidity. He always looks like this bigadorable cute sexy boy when he dances... which is hardly a bad thing, but I prefer Paul's movements: I find Paul's movement sinewy and catlike. You can always see his connection and the communication between him and his partner, and I like that.

[Aner2557]

Grand - Good point re: routine vs. improv. My focus was on the technique - would you not expect the technique to be equally good per dancer regardless of the environment - or am I being a little idealistic? I will try to find a Jason Barnes improv in which it appears he is matching his technique here - I have a few links because I enjoy his dancing skill. Best, Aner

[Aner2557]

Grand - For some reason I get an Error message when I post the link. However, if you search on the the below link, the dance is the 2nd result for Jason and Erica - of course the first result is fine - but the Windmill song is an absolute gem. I strongly expect you will fully enjoy. Jason is a very strong lead (obviously...:-). I am really a goof off dancer but dance with all the ladies and most of them like me...

West Coast Swing - Jason Barnes & Erica Berg 2006

[grandcarriage1]

@Aner2557 That is a very nice classic routine...very well rehearsed and performed. I like Jason's and Erica's dancing a great deal. I've actually led Jason in a workshop (infront of 80 some odd people...no pressure). I couldn't really compare the above inprov free-style of Paul and Cat's to a rehearsed routine. Apples and Oranges. To each their own, but thanks for the link to that performance. I hadn't seen it before.

[Aner2557]

Here is a link to a dance with what I think you may agree is a somewhat stronger lead - and an equally or more delightful follow - with another magical song. I hope you enjoy it - it is also one of my favorites.

[grandcarriage1]

@Aner2557 ...We'll have to agree to disagree. I don't suppose you lead? I both lead and follow, and have competed as both, so I may have a different perspective: I see how Paul uses his posture and center for effect: I feel confident he does what he does on purpose, & really admire his style and movement. Your link didn't come through, send it to me in a message?. I'm curious to see what personally appeals to you.

[Aner2557]

However, when I carefully watch all his movements I see enough elements to substantiate my basic point - Kat is a technically stronger dancer - consistently better posture, yada, yada.  Likewise, it is helpful to do a dance like this with someone with who one has a lot of familiarity as they do. Regardless, there is plenty of neat composition in his lead that almost magically follows the music.

[Aner2557]

Hi Grand - To be clear - this is one of my favorite videos - and I have tried to dance this - albeit not with very experienced dancers - and have a hard time. I think a lot of the beauty is created by the music which is quite lovely and tends to push towards the movement you describe. I will also note that it is not as if I see all the American leads doing a better job - Kyle screws around as much as anyone and I see loads of improvement they could make to catch up with the ladies.

[ipa2esb]

They're dancing to "Delimma" by Rob Murat. Its on "So Much to Say"

Awesome lead follow.

[grandcarriage1]

@ipa2esb Thank you for posting that.

[Aner2557]

However, it is a lovely bit of dancing - this is not really that easy of a song to dance to.

[Aner2557]

Cat is stronger technically than Paul. However, they would have some work to catch up to the CA dancers, e.g. Jordan, Hussey, etc. (helps to have been doing it all your life!).

[grandcarriage1]

@Aner2557 I would have to politely disagree with most of your statements: I think they partner each other equally: one does not outshine or pull focus from the other, and I don't think they lack anything to CA or US dancers. I'm ON the West coast and this is some of the most lyrical WCS dancing I've ever seen. I think being in the UK is, it's own way, an asset for them, as they can approach the dance from a different perspective. I was completely blown away by their '09 BBtB Performance.

[grandcarriage1]

The more I watch this, the more I see: They have really lovely hands. It's something you rarely see in WCS. The connection is very pretty. I also love the fluidity in the torso and back of both of them... and how it is exaggerated by alternated moments of absolute stillness. It's all so clean and controlled.

[grandcarriage1]

Beautiful. Lots of shaping and combinations I've never seen in the states. I love the posting of the follow and the lead's brief solo movement. Really really cool. It's so unusual to see the follow stock still: Reverse of the usual. Really visually arresting.

[SirenaHanim]

As for me, this boy is dansing better then the girl ))

[checkmatae]

"Dilemma" by rob murat ... it was really bugging me but there it is...

[grandcarriage1]

@checkmatae thanks, I was going to ask.

[checkmatae]

also awesome dancing! hehe

[checkmatae]

did anyone ever find out the name of this song? is that john legend?

[dance72284]

Yea whats the name of this song? Please : )

[woodsman0187]

Smooth, I love it. What is the name of the song?