Thoughts on Adding Flourishes

2/27/2013

I was talking to another contra dancer early this week and they mentioned that there seemed to be some moves that were easier to finesse with flourishes than others. In particular, the dancer referred to this flourish on a square-through (that is, taking hands with your partner next to you on the side of the set and forming an arch for the person across from you to duck under). Another dancer remarked that frequently the dancers are concentrating on their own steps through it and sometimes don't respond to the offer of a hand to make an arch (or don't duck under the arch for similar reasons).

I certainly advocate dancers paying attention to the basics before they add the flourishes, but I'm still curious: to other flourishy dancers -- what makes a flourish easier or harder for you to lead? Is it the partner you attempt to pull the flourish on? Is it the other folks in the minor set? Is it the frequency of the call you're trying to pull a flourish on (e.g., most modern dances have partner swings; some have square-throughs, but I know at Glen Echo they're not done as often)? Is it something else? A combination?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Fred

2/27/2013 03:36:54 am

Of course the partner makes a huge difference. Some ladies you twirl and they get way out of their space and you don't know how to reel them in. If it's someone you have danced with very much, asking if they like flourishes is a good idea, and then leading ones that are simple and clear to see how they respond. Of course I've heard it said that if a flourish doesn't go well 'it's always the leads fault'. I grudgingly agree, mostly. If there's a clear lead, a decent dancer will follow. Also, some leads might look great, but fun for the gent, but not as flowy nice or feeling fabulous for the lady. I rarely lead those. Some flourishes are super intuitive. Harder ones is where you send a lady one way, and then want her to change directions. Especially if she isn't expecting it, and is not moving slowly.

Ryan (blogger) link

2/28/2013 01:08:25 am

I guess that begs the question then, what makes for a clear (but not obnoxious) lead? What are some characteristics of clear leads that others can consciously apply to their own moves?

dest/jess(ie)/etc.

2/28/2013 02:14:25 am

Hrmmm...To me, a good lead is one where:

--The lead is given early enough that i have time to respond to it and finish the move on time
--Is done clearly. Some moves have multiple leads that people use fo them, so i have to learn how this partner leads a spin out. Conversely, some leads can initially signal multiple moves, so it takes me a time or two to figure out what this partner is trying to lead.
--Is done both gently and firmly. I need enough gusto in the lead that i can feel where my partner is leading me, but not so much that i can't easily and comfortably refuse the lead.
--Recognizes the mechanics of my body and doesn't pull my arm in unnatural directions.
--Is accompanied by good follow through. If i'm turning or stepping backward, i need someone to watch space because i can't see it. And please, for goodness sake, catch my hand as i finish the turn, to i know where to stop.
--Is offered a couple times if i mess it up; i usually need to do a new flourish 2-3 times before i can get the mechanics in my head, and i hate it when i mess up the first time and never get a second try.

Perry

2/28/2013 03:54:17 am

The square-through flourish is one that I enjoy doing actually. Most often this keeping of the hand/arching is done with a neighbor (for example, those dances where you balance with your partner across the set, then square thru two hands). Sometimes the neighbor has no idea what the heck I'm doing and just pull their hand away - that's an unusual flourish so they don't get what I'm trying to do. And yeah, it DOES depend on folks around me in a set. I'll almost NEVER do a flourish if there is a new dancer as a neighbor or even as a partner. That also leads me to this thought: if you are offering a flourish and the other person is confused or refuses a flourish, don't EVER force it anyways. This goes not only for men trying to force a twirl, but also for ladies who do their own twirls even though it might be too late for the next move. (Yes, I have noticed often women leading their own flourishes.)

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Thoughts on Adding Flourishes

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