Once dance students become old enough, they may become interested in partnering – it is a natural progression within dance education and is often required of the vocational school they may attend. It does not necessarily have to focus on the partnership between male and female dancers however much training is faced this way initially. For both dancers there are some tips and tricks that can aid this training.
First and foremost, communication is vital. It will mean the partnership will develop more quickly and any problems will be ironed out with less issues. Basic principles include using the core muscles correctly in order to aid the movement: partnering is an art that must be built up together, with the dancers working equally in order to make it a success. Remembering to breathe is also a vital aspect. Dancers can get nervous when partnering for the first time, but breathing normally will mean there is less unnecessary tension in the body. The two bodies will then be able to move in sync more easily.
Trust can make up a large part of a partnership. Trusting yourself is just as important as trusting your partner, but this takes practice and does not always come easily. If you are dancing with a more experienced dancer it can make the trust process easier, and again communication is very important. Fear is not uncommon but it is part of the learning curve! There is a fine line however between trust and reliance – some dancers may rely on the other to make the movement happen, but both dancers must support their own weight sufficiently.
However, try not to be over-confident. This may be a natural reaction once you begin to develop a relationship with your partner, but it is important to keep listening to each other and not assume you know everything about partnering. Every partner is different and will mean you learn something new about dance. Work together – it will make the work easier in the long run!