Women often ask me to lead them on the dance floor, and usually, I hear them whisper to me conspiratorially, that they wished they were able to lead too.
My response, “why not, there are so many benefits to ladies learning to lead.” It’s hard to hear on the dance floor so I can’t say all of the reasons in that setting, but here I’d like to share some benefits with ladies learning to lead.
Leading helps us gain a big picture perspective
If I were studying how cars worked but only focused on the engine, I wouldn’t be able to call myself an expert in cars. Teachers know the footwork, dynamics, and responsibilities of both roles. They are able to understand the dance in a different manner than someone who only understands how one part functions. So ladies if you’re interested in understanding the dance fully, I’d suggest learning to lead.
Leading is fun
There is a rush that comes from making quick decisions, from sculpting movements together and bringing movement from your mind’s eye into reality. Now I love following. I enjoy interpreting signals into movement. It is also enjoyable to be in the role of the follow. I find it equally enjoyable leading. It’s a different way to interact with a partner.
Leading encourages us to dance all night
There have been events I’ve attended that didn’t have the best gender balance but I didn’t need to worry about the imbalance. It is great to be able to dance either role at any time. And true to the Desueño ideology, being able to dance with anyone regardless of whether they are On1 or On2 has ensured that no matter what type of night, there are always potential dance partners.
Learning to lead encourages an empathetic connection with the lead’s role
When teaching a beginner dance class I would run into a situation where a follow would grow impatient with a lead who was learning how to give signals and do footwork at the same time. Often follows don’t know how it feels to do three distinct movement tasks at once. Leads need to accomplish their own footwork, give the follow a timely signal and provide follow through, and strategically check to see if the area is safe and clear around them, all while listening to the music. Ladies who also lead may better empathize with what the lead is trying to accomplish.
I also teach and do exercises that allow leaders to get an idea of the work that goes into being an excellent follow. Because it’s more than “just following”.
Leading is another way to challenge yourself on your Latin dance journey
I love a challenge. A new puzzle or game can thrill me endlessly. I look at leading the same way, as an opportunity to challenge myself. When I’m out social dancing I’m able to dance with anyone lead or follow and On1 or On2.
Be advised, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. There will be some ladies who won’t be comfortable with a lady lead. That’s alright. There are many people, regardless of gender, who will be enthused to be able to dance with a lady who is a capable, safe, and fun leader.
So you’ve decided to lead. What’s next?
Putting in Work
You’ve been dancing for years. Does that mean you can hop into an intermediate class as a lead or start leading right away? Absolutely not. It’s like learning a new dance because the roles and responsibilities for this part are different than following. Be prepared to start as a beginner and build your way up.
Role clarity
When I am following, it is my responsibility to accomplish all of the demands of the role of follower. Learning to lead doesn’t negate that duty nor add to it. Knowing both roles doesn’t give us license to back lead during the dance. It can, however, give insight into some of the choices my lead is making (i.e. reasons to change the slot line, hesitation or rotational steps to prevent collisions, and stationary maneuvers). So whichever role you decide to dance, you are responsible to fulfill those duties and not overstep into the other role. In short, be a follow or be a lead and don’t try to do both jobs at the same time. However, if you and your partner are actively switching roles, be your respective role until you switch.
A word for the gentlemen…
When a lady is learning to lead does that mean she isn’t interested in following?
No, not necessarily. Most of the ladies who are leading are amenable to following as well. I personally enjoy dancing both the lead and follow roles because it allows me to interact with more people. Be kind and brave and ask her to dance. She will likely assume the follows role unless you ask her to lead you. Swapping roles can also be fun, but leads make sure you’ve learned the basics of following before attempting this feat. If some ladies are leading who will you have to dance with? All the other ladies not currently dancing!
Final Thoughts
Ladies if you’re interested in learning how to lead, you should try it. I started leading out of necessity. In my pursuit to be an excellent instructor, I wanted to understand the dance as much as possible both in the classroom, socially at clubs, and events. I enjoy leading and following because I love to dance and it doesn’t matter if it’s solo or partnered. Learning to lead has been rewarding and fun, so if you’re interested just go for it!
Are you a lady who leads? Share your stories on Twitter and Instagram #ladiesdancethelead.
See you on the dance floor,
Denita
