Timing is everything!

Two people dancing in time to the music, in time with eachother is what ballroom dancing is all about! Dancing through the music, ahead, behind or not having a sense of timing between you and your partner can hamper your progress. When your sense of timing is better you begin to apprectiate the music and dance a whole lot more. The slower dances such as the Waltz and Rumba are good examples where innacurate timing doesn't allow you to enjoy the fullness of the rythym.

Timing occurs when the foot touches the ground; if you wait till you hear the beat and then start to move your feet to the final destination, you will be late. This sounds very obvious but I often notice students not working exactly to the music. Here are a few practical tips to help you improve your timing both individually and as a couple:

Listen to muisc - listen to a variety of ballroom and latin songs and try to clearly count in beats (not just slows and quicks!). The more music you listen to and count out loud to, the better your understanding will become. You could even shout out the strong beats, e.g. in waltz - 1! or cha cha-1! or Rumba - 4! Also try to imagine your steps to the count. Also try to count the "in betweeners" e.g. in Rumba. 1 "and" 2 "and" 3 "and" 4 "and".... by counting the "ands" you will develop a better sense of timing and know when to hold your movements and exactly when to begin the next movement. You can also use these "and" to pass your feet and prepare through the body for the next step. Do this excercise as a couple as well.

Brush your feet - brushing your feet gives you something to do to the music, which will improve the look and timing. normally done on the "ands" eg. in cha cha basic : 1 "and-brush" 2 "and" 3 "and-brush" 4 "and" 1... Speak to me if you are unclear where and when you need to be passing or brushing in each dance.

hope this helps,

John