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Craig Revel Horwood's Ballroom Dancing: Your dance partner

by Craig Revel Horwood

Communication is the key to a successful dance partnership, and it is the boy who is in charge because he is leading. Girls, whatever mess your partner makes of the dance, it’s your responsibility to follow him, right or wrong! It shouldn’t end in tears if you’re both aware of one another and take equal responsibility for your weight and balance. The girl must carry herself and her weight so that her partner doesn’t feel like he is dragging her around the floor with a 2-tonne weight strapped to his back.

Even if you are terrified, ladies, don’t hold on for grim death and dig your nails into your partner’s arm. Always remember the man is leading the dance, and you have no choice but to go with him. It seems unfair in this day and age, but it’s strictly ballroom!

You must have your wits about you if there are other people on the dance floor besides you and your partner. You need to understand the Line of Dance (LOD) if you are not going to crash and burn, or take out a few couples in the process. You and your partner will be thrown off the dance floor if you don’t follow this simple rule.

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