| Article | : | Dancing Tid-bits #224, Thursday September 17, 2009
Today’s Topic: "I danced with Isabela.”
Who is Isabela? Well, when it comes to Standard Ballroom Dancing at high level competition, Isabela Jaworska and Robert Kubis are #1 couple in Michigan-USA. I have known and heard about them for past several years and they have been Finalists at most National Competitions in USA and abroad. They have won almost all "Rising Star" categories in all of United States They represented Poland at the famous “Come Dancing Series” on BBC; more about them on their website http://comedancing-ballroom.com/.They are held in high regard and they are greatly respected teachers in this area. Their Studio, "Come Dancing" in Saline, Michigan, USA, offers superior Dance Instruction in both Standard and Latin along with social and club dancing.
So, why this Tid-bit? The purpose of this Tid-bit is not that I want to write a big essay of praise, like how beautiful Isabela is or what a wonderful dance I had with her, nor any advertising is intended. However there is a lesson for students and teachers alike, based on my short encounter with her last week at their studio
Invite? Surprise/Surprise/Surprise: As the Saturday Party gets warm, this beautiful lady instructor, Izabela walks to me and extends her hand to invite me for a dance. This is a Cha Cha Cha (I thought she was a Standard Champion) but anyway my heart fills with joy and we start with a little basic 23 4&1. Later, I lead her for a few more complex figures like Natural Top, Chase (? actually she started the chase), Turkish Towel and Guapacha timing etc.We end the dance from start to finish, quite clean and not any flak. I was happy and I think she enjoyed it too. Later, I ask her for a Slow Fox and Waltz and she gracefully accepted. Thanks.
What does it mean? The conventional wisdom is that a Man initiates and asks the lady for a dance. However I think we are now in 21st Century and “a lot” is changing. I really think it is somehow ok for a lady to be bold enough and say “hey, come on…dance with me” (if you know the guy well) and drag him to the floor. Of course this is not as simple as I make it sound. It depends on circumstances and the mix of people who are there. Most of our parties here in this area are “Practice Parties” and most people know each other. So Ladies! Don’t sit out the whole evening; be bold and go for it in your own way.
To all my fellow teachers: I would say to all teachers that it is like being a doctor. Either you are interested genuinely in the health of your patient or you are there only for bread and butter. At the end of the day, it shows your real personality. So, if you really care for your student’s health, take care of him/her at all times whether it is during a lesson or at the practice party. This is also good for ‘business’. In Michigan I have yet to find a teacher who does not dedicate themselves to 110%. So much so for this Tid-bit, more later. Good Bye and Best Wishes, Max
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