BODY SWAY IN BALLROOM DANCE

Body Sway… prompted by a lesson with one of my juvenile dancers Jack last night…..

Sway is a natural inclination of the body away from the direction you are moving in. It enables you to  slow down, gain control and kill momentum.

Swaying in ballroom dance can improve the overall aesthetic look.  In order to sway, one side of the rib cage should be stretched more taking care not to compress or collapse the opposite side. Caution must be taken not to break the body line awkwardly at the waist line.

 

Beginners in dance should not attempt to sway until they have mastered the basic technique. Sway can be misunderstood and incorrect usage will distort your look or appearance and create  other problems such as balance etc.

You do not move your arms up and down to create sway!!!

TRUST ME…. THIS IS NOT WHAT ADJUDICATORS WANT TO SEE!!!

 

 

A. Technical Sway

Technical sway is used on all swing figures and comes naturally from correct technique and is proportionally a result of your Swing.

Note the straight line from the left foot up through the body to the top of the head  whilst not collapsing the sides. Also note the straight line of the arms. (Step 2 of a Natural Turn).

B. Cosmetic Sway

This can be added on top of technical sway to create a more beautiful shape (manufactured movement). It is the increased use of head weight and stretch for example at the end of step 3 in a Natural Turn. Note it should not be done with out Technical Sway but only in addition. 

 

C. Broken Sway

This sway should not be used in moving figures but only in line figures where the feet are stationary, it is generated from tilting the upper body (e.g. in an oversway) whilst maintaining the base of the body steady.

 

Please see link below for more information

https://youtu.be/qmYH3FtxLw0