03/25/2021
• connection •
in partner dance there are two kinds --> physical and mental. both essential in the overall holistic mind-body-spirit connection in partner dancing.
the physical, is how dancing feels to you and your partner, not necessarily how it looks.
with learned techniques and various ways to hold frame, the lead initiates a movement as the follow then can respond in a way that matches the interpretation to what is lead.
mental connection starts with the awareness that your partner is a living caring person with feelings, as opposed to a practice object to assist you with your learning. by having empathy we can connect with our partner even further by aiming to improve the other partners experience. a clearer more comfortable lead combined with a compassionate follow, and an occasional smile can improve this mental connection immensely.
ideally connection is a two way conversation.
a conversation between partners that is constantly adapting and adjusting to reciprocate in this balance.
musicality is another way to exercise mental connection with a three way dynamic between the lead, follow and the music.
connection is one of the main reasons we are so drawn to this way of movement and art form, and we are so excited to experience this again with you all soon.
xo,
kda portland.
