The Dance Primer

Do you know the difference between a Romantic and a Classicist? When I was a music major in college, I got in trouble for interpreting a Mozart piece Romantically. I had done so intentionally, and had my justifications, but it didn’t fly with the department head.

In music, and in dance, I am most definitely a Romantic. To me the spirit of what you’re communicating is more important than the technique with which it is presented. I am not saying technique is unimportant - it is. The BEST performers I know are masters of both technical and emotional presentation. However, when it comes down to it, I’d rather experience a performance with true soul and flawed technique than one with perfect technique and no soul.

This is the reason I was personally turned off from Ballroom Dancing (my first real dance experience) and turned on to Swing Dancing. I wanted to know how to move to a rhythm, and then get caught up in playing with the music and my partner. I did not want to be concerned with the angle of my arm or foot. I have seen very soulful Ballroom performances, and overly technical swing performances, so I know that it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Where do you fit in? I’m truly curious, what matters more to you, and HOW do you communicate the spirit of your dance?