Blues Dancing Crash Course

Video with original soundtrack here: http://www.vimeo.com/8627542

I've been teaching some basic blue dance classes for a while now, so I thought I'd throw together this video to get people started and get other instructors feedback on my teaching style.

Much thanks to Aurora and Isaac Koval for their help!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Blues Dancing
• Blues
• Blues Dance

[WeBluesDance]

Funny thing, I never teach using this these days because it creates very heavy follows. Counter balance is great for helping newbs feel what connection is like, but neutral balance is a much more comfortable way to dance :-) Maybe someday I'll make an updated video...

[WeBluesDance]

There is a big difference between dancing close and grinding. Aka don't be a creep and rub up against your partner with your crotch or do anything to make them uncomfortable.

If you can't establish a connection, getting closer won't solve anything.

And remember follows: if a lead is creeping you out or is simply too close, the only way to be 100% sure to solve the problem is to tell them verbally "You are too close to me, please stop."

If it would be considered sexual harassment off the d

[ferguspork]

The baby hamster bit made me laugh so hard I cried. A very helpful video.

[WeBluesDance]

@ferguspork Yah, thats always been a hit.

I've actually gone away from teaching this particular class because it causes people to rely (surprise surprise) too heavily on counter balance for connection. Maybe someday I'll make a video for the new class...maybe.

[WeBluesDance]

Also, apparently I have typos. Go figure. :-)

[WeBluesDance]

General notes. I'm an amateur instructor and there are probably many things wrong with the technique in the video. That said, I've used these teaching methods plenty and had good results in a small scene where we needed to get people dancing and having fun ASAP.

[danseman1]

Very nicely done. It's good to get different perspectives and teaching ideas. Grinding, Hmmm?

There's a time and place for all kinds of variations. Sometimes close dancing can be helpful when the follows don't quite get the beat. Those people do exist, sad to say. Thanks again.

[dampraindrop]

nicely done! i've been blues dancing a few times and this really helps put some pieces togther. i've heard people quote it at tuesday blues, too (the baby jesus bit).

[ReinventedLight]

LOVE IT! And I had no idea blues wasn't supposed to be grinding... now I suddenly like blues dancing better!

[RaeneDay]

Beautiful.

[Supererogationist]

This video is well made and helpful. I like that you use text rather then spoken instruction. Also hamsters.

Also, you two are so cool!

[goosenooseable]

I know that guy! Atomic Blues in ABQ Forever!

[donny10000]

Lovely. Wish I could figure out how to dance - any dance- with my hubby who's 1.5 feet taller than I am. Hmm.

[harielswords]

For those who wanted to know the song is: I Got a Woman: Baby Let Me Hear You Call My Name by Ray Charles.