Leaders’ Top 3 Likes on the Dance Floor

It has been said that dance is a conversation between body and soul. If that’s the case, then it follows that partnered dance is a conversation between TWO bodies and TWO souls. In our first blog post, we introduced the concept of social dancing as a good conversation, and how to have one. Following on from this, we decided to ask YOU what your top 3 social dancing likes and dislikes are. In this first-part follow-up post, we’ll be revealing leaders’ top 3 likes!

45.9% of responders identified one of their top three likes as a follower who smiles and looks like they’re having fun and enjoying themselves.

“For any style I like to begin the dance with a smile, a true one. Not a ‘yeah ok sure’ one.”

“SMILE SMILE SMILE!! If she is smiling and having a good time means that I am doing my job well and that we can both have a great time enjoying dancing together.”

“A good heart and a warm smile…an absolute winner regardless of ability.”

Coming in at second place, 37.8% of responders specifically identified connection in their top 3 likes. Further probing revealed that connection includes a number of elements, such as eye contact and a good frame. However, some responders identified these specific elements, and not connection, in their top three. For the purpose of this survey, we decided to use the words provided to us. However, we think a post on connection will be in order for the future! For us, connection is the result of how effectively each partner can communicate with one another on the dance floor, which involves both technical and emotional elements.

“…connection is both technical and simple at the same time. There’s the technical ‘frame’ connection, there is the emotional eye contact and body language connection and the syncopation between two dancers and the music connection.”

“Connection is about being able to adapt to each person you dance with. Not just dancing the same way all the time.”

Last, but certainly not least, was followers who are light to lead (35.1%). My favourite description of this was:

“LIGHT AS A FEATHER FRAME!! When followers hold their own frames properly it is a delight to dance with! Followers that give you their arms for you to hold up for them is not conducive to enjoyable dancing.”

So there you have it – our leaders love dancing with followers who smile, with whom they can establish a connection during the dance, and who are light to lead.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to our questions – without you, this post would still just be an idea, dancing around in our heads, so thanks for giving it life. In the next post we’ll be revealing leaders’ top 3 dislikes. This will be followed by findings on followers’ top three likes and dislikes. Followers, it’s not too late to let us know your thoughts. You can email your top three likes and dislikes to us at info@momentalife.com.au.

So stay tuned, and we’ll see you on the social dance floor – hopefully with a smile on your face!

Photo: Ryan McGuire, modified by Momenta rhythms for life