Basic Swing Dance Tips for Leads

These basic tips are meant for both new and fairly skilled swing dance leads who are preparing to dance with a follow whom they've never met before. Some follows may have different opinions but while talking with some of my other follow friends, I've found that these are fairly universal. 

(Note for new swing dancers or those who don't swing dance: "leads" are typically the boys and "follows" are typically the girls. However I've seen plenty of dance partners that didn't follow this norm.)

Tip: Introduce yourself.

Consequence:  It's not so bad if you don't but it shows the follow that you acknowledge that they're a person and not just something you feel like twirling around. AND they might trust you more if you want to do crazier moves.

How to implement it: "Hi! My name is ___. What's yours?/Would you like to dance?" Or any other variation.

Tip: Use the right amount of force.

Consequence:  Your follow either won't catch your hints for a move or will have to leave the dance early for a torn something-in-the-shoulder-arm-or-etc.

How to implement it: Make sure there's enough tension so the follow responds to your movements. This DOES NOT mean pushing or pulling your follow enough that it leaves bruises.

Tip: Stop spinning.

Consequence:  They'll puke on your face, fancy dance shoes, and/or etc.

How to implement it: You don't need make your follow spin every few seconds to keep them interested. Dancing to the rhythm of the song looks just as cool as pretending to be a roller coaster.

Tip: Don't get annoyed if the follow isn't picking up on your hints.

Consequence:  You'll crush his/her self esteem and they'll never dance again.

How to implement it: Practice your moves with a friend outside of a dance to make sure you're leading it right. In most cases, it's the lead's fault if a move didn't work out as planned.

Tip: Watch your hands and respect the personal space bubble.

Consequence:  Follows talk. If you were creepy in any way, all of the follow's friends will know about it and avoid you.

How to implement it:While in closed position, keep your hand in the middle of her back. Height differences may make it challenging but DO IT. And don't have your face ridiculously close to hers at any time. That's creepy anywhere during any situation.

Tip: Be careful with eye contact.

Consequence:  Staring is creepy, total avoidance is cold.

How to implement it: Occasional glances aren't a big deal but if it seems like you're staring, it can be awkward and make the follow self conscious.

Tip: Aerials. Don't.

Consequence:  The follow will avoid dancing with you.

How to implement it: Save your fancy tricks for when you're dancing with someone who is comfortable with them and trusts you to do them safely.

That's all the tips I can think of. I'd love to hear other tips or arguments against mine.

Moral Haiku:

Spinning round and round,

I feel like I'm gonna puke.

Oh crap, here it-BLEH.

Special thanks to my good friends from Swing Dance Club who taught me everything I know about swing. :)

Also! My week-long vegetarian diet is going well. But tofu's kinda gross.