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+ View Older Messages

Re: Good lord!
Posted by silver
1/25/2011  6:40:00 AM
Good retort. :) When I watch beginners struggling with waltz, it seems that the waltz's timing along with the coordination of the closing of the feet on 3 that frequently become the source of frustration. This requires a fair amount of concentration at first before it becomes even remotely natural for most people. You're right Telemark, they need to allow for plenty of time if new to all of this. And since it isn't DWTS, it might even look sincere and heart-felt.
Re: Good lord!
Posted by Telemark
1/25/2011  7:53:00 AM
I must try that approach at my next 'first meeting' with a wedding couple:

"Do you want to learn to dance, or will you just be happy not to fall over, confident in your love for one another".

I can see that being a real winner ...
Re: Good lord!
Posted by dheun
1/25/2011  8:38:00 AM
Now, now, kids. Be nice. You're both actually correct.
The original poster can't possibly know what he/she is getting into, so their desire for something simple could be viewed in different ways.
I agree with you both in saying that the Viennese Waltz is quite difficult, other than the simple turns that Telemark suggests. But I also know that those new to dance could find those steps fairly tough, not to mention the possibility of getting dizzy.
No way a man who has never danced before is going to get the timing down and feel of the cross step in two lessons, so it's likely to be natural turns around and around, etc.
There is no doubt we all agree on one thing: Go to a studio and see about a couple of private lessons. Trying to do it online may keep you from falling on the floor or stepping on toes, but it likely won't teach you the dance, or how it should feel.
Either way, as jofj suggests, it is a wedding -- and those are fun, no matter what the wedding couple does for a dance!
Re: Good lord!
Posted by Telemark
1/25/2011  9:14:00 AM
If not falling over is the overriding aim, then I would avoid dancing just Natural Turns. Dizziness is going to be a real problem.
Re: Good lord!
Posted by Ladydance
1/25/2011  12:49:00 PM
There is never enough room on a reception room dance floor for the VW. No beginner is going to be able to master it, especially with the pressure of doing it in front of an audience. And, chances are the bride will be wearing a long dress, further complicating things. I would suggest they find another song or two and take them to an instructor to pick the best. Usually a simple social rumba is best and doable. On line lessons are not an option. Find an instructor, most studios offer a wedding package.
Good point about the floor.
Posted by jofjonesboro
1/25/2011  3:03:00 PM
If they stick to just natural turns, they should be able to do smoething resembling a VW in a circle.

You're correct that no beginner would be able to master the VW in a short time. It's clear to me that they aren't really interested in mastery. They just want to dance something to their favorite song without looking too clumsy.

Of course, after reading these responses, they may just skip the dance and get drunk.

jj

Edited to add:
I was poking around on YouTube and noticed that there is a slower version of this song, also performed by Donovan (Catch the wind - mellow version).

Even though it's still basically a VW, this slower version would make it much easier on them. They could even use a Waltz if they wished.

Problem solved.
Re: what should I start with?
Posted by belleofyourball
1/25/2011  8:56:00 PM
I don't know. He sounds like he has very low expectations and doesn't really want to do more than just slow dance. The VW is a little bit fussy even in its simplicity. It also is a hard dance for someone who hasn't danced. Foot position, weight on the floor, rotation and movement are too hard for a brand spanking new beginner.

If this guy doesn't want to do more than not step on each other the VW is the wrong dance. He's more likely to step on her in this dance than any in the world. (and vice versa) I do say jof is right that it is the right dance for the song. I think its the wrong dance for someone who wants to take the path of least resistance.

Do a regular waltz to the music, you should look up the box step, the natural and reverse turns and maybe get fancy with a promenade and then dance together until you start feeling okay. Make sure you start enjoying dancing together.

Now, if you really wanted to look like this was something that mattered more than as a sentimental moment you would put some real time to this. You would take lessons, practice and forget about anything online.

However you do this...have fun. Your dancing should be about enjoying yourself.
Re: what should I start with?
Posted by nloftofan1
1/25/2011  10:31:00 PM
You have gotten some good advice, but as far as I can see no one has addressed the reason you can't learn to dance strictly from online lessons. Online lessons (or instructional DVDs) can be very useful because you can watch something over and over, as many times as necessary, and see it done correctly. But even so you may not perform the motions correctly. An instructor will see any mistakes you make long before you would, and help you correct them. That may seem very negative. Look at it this way. The instructor will start off telling you what to do (and demonstrating), then will watch to see what YOU do. A miracle might happen, but if not the instructor will get you past whatever problems you may have much faster than you can do it yourself.
Re: what should I start with?
Posted by quickstep7
1/26/2011  2:17:00 AM
Without meaning to sound silly, you cannot learn to dance from online lessons alone. Surely it makes more sense to attempt a Waltz and Viennese Waltz and decide which you prefer? In theory all dances can be difficult if you have never danced before!
Re: what should I start with?
Posted by terence2
1/26/2011  4:22:00 AM
Its all about the Degree of difficulty.

having taught hundreds of Wedding "dances", it depends on 3 factors; the dance chosen , the music selected, AND the couples abilities .

Also, make sure you keep the song to 2 mins or less ( thats interminable for a new couple ! ).

Also to consider,the Dress ( Ya not gonna make it in a wedding dress doing VW ).

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