"We try to copy what the best dancers are being taught."

You could not describe the absurdity of your view of ballroom dancing any more clearly.

How many times has Terence made the statement that no one can learn to dance from watching a video?

Yes, we can all - even we "Social Dancers" - see what the top pros do on the dance floor.

There are two things that we cannot see: how they do it and whether or not we're doing it correctly.

Beginners must first master the fundamentals by learning the syllabus with the guidance of a good instructor. Then they can elaborate.



jj

jofjonesboro. Are you suggesting that we that we shouldn't try to copy the best dancers. Learning to dance from a video is not the same as trying to improve by watching an instruction video and listening to the directions. Is that absurd
When you mentioned Terence . I'll wager he has more videos and DVD's and books than most of us. I've got only two books, one Latin and one on Standard. But you have put yourself into a position where you cannot quote from a book or a tape without going back on your own words. Line one and line two. You could throw in line three also

"Are you suggesting that we that we shouldn't try to copy the best dancers."

Yes. You shouldn't try to "copy" any dancers. You should learn to dance yourself by studying the fundamentals.

Referring to the content of a video and using it to learn to dance are two entirely different matters.

Pointing out the manner in which, for example, Jonathan and Melissa execute a Whisk is not he same as saying that anyone can learn to perform this figure without the aid of an instructor.

jj

"One of the most tedious of dance fetishes is the notion that the bodies shouldn't turn out in PP and that the position should be almost a secret between the partners."

This is in fact the conclusion towards which the dance world has been advancing. It simply looks much, much better. The opened out positions are quite weak by comparison.

There is a degree of change in promenade position, but what is desired there is a "lengthening" of the topline along the direction of movement, with the man stretching forwards as the leading corner and the lady's head filling out the trailing corner.

Anymouse: You are stating an opinion "as fact". The technique has not changed, and the most recent edition of Guy Howard was published as recently as 2007.

PP is only weak, if you are a weak dancer.

I have a copy of that most recent edition of Howard's book. I'd recommend it for every student of the syllabus in spite of its cost. It's better written and much easier to read than "The Ballroom Technique" even though the content is essentially the same.

jj