Teaching for Balboa Followers has got better and better over the years… yet on occasion we still suffer from those classes which consist of 55 minutes of being asked to “just follow” while our Leads work on a move, with the last five minutes dedicated to a “variation” for the Followers.
This workshop is intended to be a bit of an antidote - the focus will be firmly on Followers! Don’t worry, it won’t be about Followers taking over the lead, but about becoming a better, more active, more creative, and more inspiring Follower. We’ll look at things like:
- How to follow more effectively, so that the best Leads can do more of their “fun stuff” with you, and you can be more creative and musical together
- How to have your own presence and a “voice”, while still following effectively (and not spoiling your lovely Lead’s great ideas!)
- How to develop your own style and dance personality… and yes, your own footwork and variations (so that you don’t have to rely on a “takeaway menu” list of second-hand variations that you have learned and copied from other people).
Leads, please DO come along as we promise that there will be plenty for you too. We’ll discuss how to get the best out of most Followers, as well as how to get the most out of the best Followers! Come and contribute, and help all of us Followers to be (even) better partners for you.
When
Sunday 28th April 2024
11.45: Doors open
12-14.15: Workshop (with short break in the middle)
14.30-18: Balboa Beckons social dance with the Malcolm Earle Smith Five, featuring some of the finest swing players in the UK.
Where
Old Headington Village Hall, Dunstan Road, Oxford OX3 9BY
How much
Follow Focus Workshop + Balboa Beckons: £35 pay on DanceCloud
Follow Focus Workshop only: £25 pay on DanceCloud
The Teachers
Janet and Chris have danced, studied, taught and competed internationally for 18 years, then for the past couple of years have focussed mainly on the fun and creativity of their social balboa dancing. Janet is known for her footwork and for her unique Follower “voice”, so here in Oxford we decided to bribe her to spill some of her tips and secrets in this special “one-off” follower-focussed workshop. And we’re delighted that Chris has agreed to be her “glamorous assistant” and partner in crime once again, and to impart some of his insights and observations from the Lead’s point of view. As a teaching pair, they’re fun, engaging, and involving, and we can guarantee that you’ll go home from their workshop inspired and buzzing with ideas.
Parking at Old Headington Village Hall
If you are planning to come by car, there are some parking spaces at the hall (but please do not block entry to the hut at the back which belongs to the guides), and plenty more free parking less than half a mile away down the road: on Dunstan Road itself, or Foxwell Drive, Halliday Hill or Saxon Way.