The leader’s fault (Dancing & Leadership)

Today I decided to know my limits and instead of starting Balboa, before three other dances, I simply ordered a Manhattan and watched the earlier dance lesson. It was different to be on the outside, safer and more present, listening and watching but not experiencing. Better for discovery (eg is this something I want to choose over other actives) vs learning.

There was a dialogue that caught my attention though. In a specific move, lead spins out the follower to a ‘stretch’. Then bring back to follower to an elegant turn. As people were practicing the instructor observed and shared a particular pattern. After the stretch into the turn, some leads weren’t stepping back, creating near crashes and looking a bit awkward.

The class laugh. It is all so true that while not always, it is often the leaders fault, even if we don’t always recognize it. After all, as leaders we need to know whether our role is to control and drive, or guide and create space; and when it’s time, get out of the way.

Cheers