Social vs. Competitive Hustle Dancing

In partner dancing, there are different aspects to how we can dance.  The two main styles and places we will dance are socially and competitively.  We always have to remember when we are dancing on the social floor there are certain things that we should and shouldn’t do.  On the flip side there are things that you should do on the competitive floor that will make your dancing stand out – things that we are not able to do on the social floor.

Let’s first look at the social floor, since that is where Hustle first started.  On the social floor, there are usually quite a few more people than on the competitive floor.  That means that you need to be more compact in your movements and in the steps that you choose to do.  Traveling will obviously be at a minimum depending on how people are moving and how many people are on the floor.  First, it is the leader’s responsibility to lead the appropriate steps for the space that is available.  It is also the leader’s responsibility to be aware of all of the people and space around the couple, and to be able to maneuver around them.  Also, if someone comes into the open space into which you send your partner, you must be able to stop her from running into them.  It must be remembered that as much as Hustle is an extended dance, it is important for the follower to extend, but the leader can shorten his arm slightly to keep her closer.

Some things NOT to lead on the social floor: samba shadows, traveling steps (i.e., traveling full cross body leads, waltz step, Fred & Gingers, etc.), anything that takes up more space than is available to you.

For followers, it is also important to be aware of who is around you at all times.  It is not just the leader’s job to keep you from running into someone, but also the follower’s job to stop yourself if you know someone is there.  You need to make sure that you only move enough to get a good connection with your partner.  Pay attention to how far the leader is letting you out – don’t out run the connection.  It is also our job to use space-appropriate arm styling.  We all “know” this, but we have to be aware of it on the dance floor.  You can always take the arm higher; up by bringing it past your ear, or put your hand on your hip.  Or you can always do what I do………touch yourself – it keeps the arm close to you and (usually) looks sexy!  

For both partners, one of the most important things on the social floor is eye contact.  You must always be looking at your partner!  Yes, leaders may need to quickly look to check for space when performing moves, but as much as possible this dance is about you and your partner – not who’s watching you. 

On the flip side, a competitive dance, while still being a partnership, should also include the audiences and judges.  There are appropriate times to look at the audience and make eye contact with them to include them in your dance.  There are also obviously more pattern options, and usually more space on the competitive floor, but it is still important to be aware of who is around you.  Floor craft is an important thing that judges look at.  Leaders can lead pretty much any step, and of course you want to have a variety of moves.  There are also more options for followers as there is more room for arm styling as well as expansion.  PLEASE remember that in a competition it is still about following your partner and about the couple.  Do not get so involved with playing to the audience that you forget about your partner.  One of the things I look for is a dynamic couple with good communication and connection. 

So next time you set foot on the dance floor, be aware of where you are and dance accordingly!!  Everyone around you will appreciate it!!