Dancing Tip of The Week

Dancing Tip of the Week: Look up!

Today, we’re going to talk about an important concept in partner dancing: looking up. Often overlooked, the concept of keeping your eyes up is very important in dancing. While learning new steps in your dance classes, it may be tempting to look down at your feet. However, it’s important for many reasons in Ballroom/Latin dance and for wedding first dance lessons to keep your eyes up and away from the floor. Where the eyes are focused in dancing can be the difference between a so-so dance and very impressive dancing.

If you ‘look up’ while dancing you will:

Have fun with your dancing partner:
It’s much more fun to dance with someone who is looking up and connecting with their dance partner than to dance with someone who’s eyes are glue to the floor. By looking at your dance partner (or by maintaining your Ballroom poise for more advanced dancers) you’ll find that dancing is much more fun! You can relax and stay connected to your partner and the music.

Get fantastic photos from your dance:
This is especially important for engaged couples preparing for their wedding first dance. Let’s face it–if you’re getting married, you’ve spent a lot of time and effort making sure everything is just right for your wedding: booking a great venue, finding the perfect dress and attire, and taking dance classes for your first dance. After the wedding is over, some of the only things you’ll have left are the photos (and hopefully a video too!) By making sure you are both looking up and smiling at each other during the dance, you’ll be sure to have beautiful photos that you’ll be able to cherish for the rest of your lives. This is true if you are dancing in a dancesport competition or as a guest for a special event. There are cameras everywhere: make sure you look good!

Look and feel like a professional dancer: 
Looking up while dancing is another one of those “tricks” dance teachers use to help students look like more advanced dancers. Unfortunately, if you look down at your feet while dancing it will be a giveaway that you are a beginner dancer (just like we mentioned in previous posts about the importance of the dance frame.) Looking up during your dance will help you look and feel great on the dance floor. Next stop: Dancing With the Stars! 🙂