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This is a great workshop exercise to create a better partnership in every one of your west coast swing dances. I call it Finding West Coast Swing Equilibrium. I was introduced to this concept by Semion Ovsianokov who explained equally dividing attention between Yourself, Your Partner and The Music. When you do, you reach a state of equilibrium and if your partner also does it, your quality of dances and teamwork will improve dramatically. This is a skill that can definitely be trained, so initially aim to move your own body without music, so you give yourself 100% of the attention. Then, add a second variable (Music or Partner) and split your attention 50/50. Finally, add the third variable into the mix and aim to split your attention equally between yourself, your partner and the music. If you and your partner can archieve that, you'll reach equilibrium and a noticable difference in your dances. Try to workshop this with a group of your local dancers and even partner up without music and communicate with each other as you dance (no music). You'll probably find your attention wandering, so aim to focus equally on moving your body, and feeling your partners movement. If you do this as a workshop or just as training with a partner, I'd love to hear your results. Let me know in the comments how you go! I'm dancing with Amanda @xcessivedancer on Instagram. Follow me on Instagram Follow Amanda on Instagram Visit my website
