Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Jack & Jill Disconnection?! - Lindy Focus X


So I don't know a whole lot about this video (maybe someone can enlighten me on their names, they look very familiar.)  Here's a clip of a Jack and Jill battle from Lindy Focus X.  


There's a lot about this video that I like - their enjoyment of the dance, the creative use of movement and musicality, the playful nature of their connection, even the noticeable concentration and obvious consideration of movements while on the spot is interesting.  This doesn't appear to be the most spontaneous of dances.  Some dances just look like they flow out while this seems to be carefully considered, even at full speed.


Please don't read this as a judgement for or against.  It's just something I noticed and can identify with.  When it comes down to it whether a dance is better if it's more emotive and subconscious or intentional and rational is a completely subjective point, and, now that I'm rambling, not the main reason I posted this (though you're welcome to discuss your feelings on that topic as well.)


Mostly I wanted to point out what happens at 1:18 in the video.  He lets go and about two beats pass before he seems to commit to his choice and then he begins clapping his knee.  She follow this and each consecutive movement.  The enjoyment is palpable.

Letting go like this, especially in a competition, is a considerable risk.  As a lead you disconnect completely and trust the follow to commit fully with only visual suggestion - but the potential for something amazing to happen also increases. 



This brings a smile to my face and I thought maybe you guys would enjoy this as a suggestion of ways to open up our dancing.  This post follows well from the last post showing an Alphabetical list of Jazz Movements because without those kinds of movements something like this isn't nearly as possible.  Let's brush up.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Oh! I remember this, and it's a great example. Their names are Soochan Lee and Jennifer Stout.