I've often heard that what separates a champion dance couple from the other finalists in a competition is interpretation of the music. How can one go about learning to improve upon this skill? Footwork and technique can be studied, practiced, and mastered. However, is there a way of teaching yourself to dance the right moves at the right times during a given song? Or, is this just something that happens over a long period of time, and cannot really be practiced?

Thanks for any thoughts anyone has on this.

Good question.

I think the more familiar you are with a piece of music, and like it, helps. But, you never know what you're going to get at a competition. So, I imagine practicing with different types of music and perhaps not focusing as much (or not focusing at all) on technique and steps and just trying to interpret the song might help. Actually, I think I remember having a very well-known coach come in for a seminar and just have people move around to the music - any old way - just however it was making them feel.

Also, I think certain types will click more easily with your personality. I have no problem with jive, paso, samba and cha cha (for the most part) but interpreting and emoting rumba just kills me!

If you ever figure out how this works for you, be sure to share!

Shirly Ballas in a lecture which I attended once said that she was going to acting lessons so that she could stand still in the Rumba for about four bars of music and not feel an idiot. At that time she had been at the top for several years and was still adding to her skills. If you can find the film Dance with me, Vannesa Wiliams in the film during a competition performing the Rumba, she stands still for some 10 bars of music. But then she is an excellent actress and also an excellent dancer. Just remember that every gesture every expression has been choreographed and practised over and over again by our best dancers.