Newcomers who join a Fred Astaire Dance Studio
wanting to learn this fantastic new skill often
ask this question. 6 to 9 months is usually
the answer and that depends on the ability
of the student. But for someone who has already
reached that level and whose goals are to be
a champion dancer, the answer is entirely different.
Depending on the style that students choose
to major in, there is a different technique
involved and they will have to familiarize
themselves with that particular technique.
The technique in American style and the Standard
are complementary to each other. The International
Latin leg action technique is different then
the American rhythm leg action, and Theatre
Art style is a different animal all together
with its own technique. However it’s important
to note that one principle is common to all
styles whether it is Ballroom, Latin, Jazz,
Ballet, or Modern: Good body alignment and
good posture! Having said that, today I will
discuss the technique common to American Smooth
and Standard. One of the most elusive actions
is to be able to produce body Flight and swing.
In order to produce swing, one must develop
strong feet and ankles. The use of the ankles
and the surrounding muscles must be trained
so as to work without conscious thinking. Foot
pressure is essential to support it and control
it. Forward steps taken on a heel normally
have a rolling foot action, i.e. heel…flat…ball…toe
(Sometimes called sustained footwork).
Going backward, the lady must allow her weight
to move towards the heel before commencing
to step. In fact, the stepping foot should
leave its position as late as possible so as
to leave the thighs and knees forward towards
the partner, hips should be natural, producing
a lightness in the body, and assisting with
the poise. Legs and feet are the prime assets
needed to produce strong, powerful, smooth
movement. Depending on the figure being danced
and the rise and fall being used, the knees
will be flexed to various degrees helping to
maintain the thighs forward. Hips are in a
constant state of flux, not pushing forward
at the partner, but angled forward to support
the girl in elevated positions before returning
to a normal position. In backward actions,
the hips move backwards carrying the upper
body with them. The foot pressure and the full
use of the muscles in the legs and hips propel
the hip swing. It is then controlled by elevation
and sway.
Once a good understanding of these principles
is achieved, one can start to learn about the
use of the upper body, i.e. body stretches,
turn and shapes. That coordination will further
help with the styling of shoulders, arms and
hands. It is important for the students who
wish to achieve excellence in the Standard
or Smooth to learn the basic principles mentioned
in this article, and then practice them again
and again correctly while developing the dances
on the private lesson. With time, the technique
will settle through muscle memory and the students
will start to experience a great feeling of
dance coupled with poise and balance.