Slow dancing is all about following a rhythm and maintaining a synchronized foot movement with your partner. If anything, slow dancing is a treat for the senses. This article makes it easier and more beautiful for you.
Slow dance is a form of dance which resembles ballroom dancing. Dancers just need to sway their bodies in accordance with the beats of music. Since the music is slow, it doesn’t take much effort to adjust to the beats and dance accordingly. Foot movement, though, is minimal in this form of dance.
When slow dancing, one of the performers is known as the leader and the other is known as the follower. The leader guides the follower through the dance steps by holding the follower’s hand. Escorting the dance partner to the floor is as important as the dance itself and would be the first thing to learn. You may feel nervous if you are dancing for the first time, but, given the slow pace of dance and plenty of time to learn, you will get there eventually.
Position
The initial position should be such that the couple stand offset. Standing in an offset position means to place the right foot between the partner’s pair of feet. The partners shouldn’t stand in a toe-to-toe position. The leader (ideally the male) should place his hand on the follower’s waist. Leaders are generally boys, however, it can be either way. Girls place one of their hands on the partners’ shoulder. Boys place their right hand on the partners’ left hip and hold the right hand with their left one. The hands need to be held together at the shoulder height of the taller partner.
Movement
The dance is slow and the leader guides the follower by pulling and pushing the hand gently. Simple and set dance moves like the foxtrot and the waltz could be used for the foot movement. Foot movements of both the partners need to be in sync with each other. Swaying back & forth and sideways should happen effortlessly without any kind of awkwardness. At times it is okay to momentarily lose the rhythm of the music being played; synchronization with the partner’s movement should however, never break. Thanking the partner and retreating thereafter, ends the slow dance.
Conversation and Eye Contact
A slow dance can be one of the best ways to indulge in a conversation with the partner. Easy conversation also helps in calming the nerves and reducing awkwardness, especially if the partners do not know each other well. Maintaining eye contact adds to the ease and comfort level. Avoid ‘staring’ into the eyes, as that would not only create awkwardness, but can also be unnerving at times. Choosing simple and informal topics to converse on during a slow dance is recommended. One should compliment the partner and talk about songs, music, etc. The dance should, preferably, not end with a heated discussion.
Slow Dancing at Weddings
One can try slow dancing at weddings as well. You can ask someone for the dance as there is no point sitting idle. There is no need to get nervous even if you are not an expert. Just concentrate on the rhythm and beats of the song and it will come to you slowly and eventually.
The key is to remain calm and not get all worked up. It happens that people who perform other forms of dance feel nervous while slow dancing. Slow dancing doesn’t require you to remember any moves or have special skills, and thus, you should enjoy slow dancing with your partner.