Fear Results in Tense Dance Frame         
                                                                 by Michele Rasmussen

The fear of learning to dance is no different than the fear of anything new or unknown. We often perceive something to be much more ominous than it truly is. We often react to fear by tensing up our bodies in preparation to protect ourselves. This tensing, and clenching is one of a dancers greatest enemies. Especially when you are brand new.

One of the most helpful things that I have learned is that the more I relax, the easier it is to learn to dance. Whether you are a brand new beginning dancer, or an experienced dancer learning a new technique, pattern or dance, the number one thing you should do is to RELAX! Do not tense up your arms and hands. Allow your frame to be in your lats, or back, not in your arms. If your arms are stiff and engaged you will be defeating yourself and unable to lead or follow what is being taught. The more you tense up the more difficult a pattern or move will be. Not only will your movement become stiff and forced, it could possibly cause injury to you or your partner. Allow yourself to relax and let the movement flow. In this case, less is more.

So, the goal is to have nice relaxed arms, with your "frame" in your back, or lats. A good way to achieve this feeling is to hold your arms out, palms down, now reach for the floor with your back muscles. Engage your lats and rotate your body. What happens with your arms? If you are doing this properly, your arms will rotate with your body. Keeping your frame in your back and not your arms will allow much more effortless dancing for both leaders and followers. 

Do not allow fear of the unknown to creep in and tense up your body. I practice this everywhere. Sitting at my desk, driving in the car and even walking through the grocery store pushing the cart. In the beginning it is difficult, there is so much to learn and remember, but eventually it becomes second nature. In my opinion it is easier to learn to dance correctly right from the start as opposed to going back and retraining improper muscle memory. So, instead of reaching for the stars, just reach for the floor!

                                                                              No Stiff Arms!