(Bachata) The round patterns Influence spread everywhere~ Basics to applications, all sorted out! Ian & Amanda's Saturday class

“You have to pull with your body. Not just with your arm.”

CONTEXTExplaining that in leading, you pull the partner with your body's travel, not your arms

“If your body drops out, the key pattern fails.”

CONTEXTPointing out that the body can't disengage during the core move of the pattern

“You create the energy by pressing into the floor.”

CONTEXTExplaining how energy is generated through weight transfer and down motion

“You've gotta step down on your left foot to get the shay. It's the pressure of stepping down that creates the shay.”

CONTEXTExplaining how the footfall connects to the upper-body shay (sway)

“If you use too much force blocking the woman, it actually makes her uncomfortable — she's taking on way too much energy.”

CONTEXTExplaining what goes wrong when the lead tries to control the partner with excessive force in a round pattern

“You have to keep giving support toward the guy — that's what makes this pattern land nicely and feel fun.”

CONTEXTExplaining that how the follower maintains the connection determines how well the pattern comes off

“Instead of keeping the same stance, if you go like this, the woman can travel with much better balance. Don't just think about getting her there.”

CONTEXTStressing the importance of foot stance and balance support when the lead moves the partner

“This hand doesn't go toward the guy — you've got to send it toward the girl, otherwise it's uncomfortable for her.”

CONTEXTA detail note on how the hand's direction toward the partner makes for a comfortable lead

“Leads, you can't keep giving a lead that's confusing.”

CONTEXTPointing out how followers get lost when the direction of the lead isn't clear