peter scribed:
>I believe one major aspect of learning ballroom dancing is training
muscle
>memory. To this end, it seems that using mainly verbal instructions,
which
>most instructors use, is not a very efficient method.
Verbal instructions alone are probably ineffective for most people. Muscle
memory is achieved by repetition of that which one desires to "memorize."
>
>Wouldn't it be better to have some computer controlled mechanical device
>attached to the student that limits his/her motion to the correct one as
he
>repeats each dance step, or sounds a beep near the area where the student
>makes a mistake (e.g. head facing wrong direction, arm too low...)?
Too complex and expensive.
>
>Another method is based on the assumption that you can train someone to
>judge dancing much faster than training the person to dance. Once you
>trained the person to judge dancing, all you have to do is give him a
mirror
>or a camcorder to see himself learning to dance, and he should be able to
>judge and improve himself, right?
I know some people who are adept at judging, but lousy dancers.
>
Skippy Blair's Motion Study cl***** are the most effective method I've
encountered. Skippy teaches a group class a series of exercises that
consist
of various 'steps' that one encounters dancing. Simple walks, swivel
steps,
four-point jazz steps, etc., etc. The class does these exercises over and
over (and over and over) as Skippy watches and comments. She mandates the
required repetition with appropriate human feedback. It worked well.
I think that Trish Connery replicates Skippy's teaching method. She can
amplify the above.
--
Ed Jay (remove 'M' to respond by email)
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