“Choose a partner.”
Those words can instill fear and panic into even the most seasoned performer. It’s a lot of pressure to dance with someone onstage. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to create a great relationship, find your charm, and practice patience. So whether you’re an actor who moves preparing for a background waltz scene or a seasoned diva in a Rob Ashford intensive, here are a few things to help you go from tentative wallflower to belle of the ball.
Prepare yourself. Setting up for success is key in this situation. We are humans before dancers, so know that even though you’ll be learning choreography, partner dancing involves physical and communicative human connection. Preparing yourself for both will make all parties more comfortable.
Wash your hands and make sure your fingernails aren’t going to kill anyone. I know this sounds like 101, but you’d be surprised. Ladies, scratching your partner hurts. Those pointy little manicures are cute outside the studio, but they are also a partner’s worst nightmare.
Check your breath! When in doubt, an Altoid is always a good idea. But no gum. I’ll jump out of this article and smack you if you chew gum
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