It’s very very common for beginner and intermediate dancers to not have a good understanding of the basics of country swing. Since it’s most popular in the bar scene that’s where most people start learning how to dance.
Which is awesome! But tends to lead to bad habits and poor basics. Especially with intermediate dancers, learning the basics seems boring and unnecessary when you can dance well enough to get by and you do ✨flashy✨ moves.
The ironic part is that in order to become an advanced level dancer you have to go back and relearn or sharper your basics.
So if you’re interested in leveling up your dancing go back to basics. Study and practice your footwork, timing, connection.
This will help you so much both on the social floor and the competition floor!
#countryswingdancing #countrydancing #countryswingdance
Jack and Jill competitions are unique. Unlike strictly, you are dancing with random partners most of whom you’ve probably never danced with before.
You’re judged individually until finals. During those initial rounds you have to show off your own skills and style while working with an unfamiliar partner.
Even though there are things out of your control there are ways to increase your chances of doing well in a JJ comp.
1. Work on solo drills. Find new creative ways you can style your arms and legs in basic moves.
2. Use the intro of the song to connect with your partner. Feel out their style and start calibrating yours to have the best dance possible.
3. Make sure your timing is solid. That way you can show you’re on time if your partner isn’t and help your partner get on time.
Follow for more dance tips and tricks
#countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #countrydancing #countryswingcompetition
Let’s talk ✨Dance Comps✨
Dance competition can be both exciting and terrifying. And many people leave competitions with mixed feelings.
If you didn’t go as far as you’d hoped it can be discouraging. You wonder what you did wrong. Question your skill. And sometimes you kinda feel like quitting.
All are common and valid.
So let’s remember a few things.
1. You only get 8 seconds to wow the judges. Your worth and skill as a dancer is so much more than 8 seconds of someone else opinion. Yes, we want to make those 8 seconds count and sometimes we come up short. It’s okay and doesn’t mean you’re a terrible dancer.
2. Just because you made it to finals or placed at your level doesn’t mean you automatically move up a level. You want to be ✨consistently✨ placing in your level before you move on to a higher division. Same goes for going back down a level. Same goes for moving down a level. If you don’t place or final, don’t get disheartened and move down automatically.
3. Be proud of yourself for competing! Celebrate the little wins. You did something difficult and that is something to smile about!
#countryswingdancing #countrydance #countrydancing #countrynomads
NWC24 was a ton of FUN!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made this a weekend to remember.
We can’t wait to see everyone at YESSS!!! This summer
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #danceconvention #linedancers
Last night we kicked off NWC24 at The Farm for our ✨Neon Nights✨ Pre-Party!
We had a full night of
🔥Social Dancing
🔥 Instruction
🔥Competitions
We’ll be at the grove hotel in Boise today (Thursday) - Sunday.
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #danceconvention
Social dancing at conventions is such a cool and unique experience! It’s a much needed break for the typical bar scene.
🔥Everyone is there to dance and make friends.
🔥The energy after competitions is electric
🔥 Dancing goes well into early morning
🔥 The skill level of dancers is overall higher
It’s such an incredible experience! If you haven’t already bought your tickets to NWC24 grab them now in the bio. See for yourself how cool convention social dancing is!
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #linedance #danceconvention
Let’s get WYLD at NWC24!🔥🤘🏼
Check it out, the WYLD team will be there Thurs-Sunday for:
🔥Event Set Up, Pre-Party & Questions
🔥Content+Social Media ALL weekend long 🔥Event Admin+Competitions
🔥 Of course social dancing!
The WYLD team can’t wait to see you, PS: Sundays theme is get WYLD so let’s rep some merch. Countdown is on 7 more days, Boise here we come!! Event passes on sale NOW👀🔥
@justbeingkes @thekalielamb_ww @kacee_countrynomads @emileighrosed @linedancingwithkat @ayebaybaydance @shakin.her.ash @bbridenny
#WYLDevents #NWC24 #boiseid
NWC24 is ✨Next Week✨ Here are a few things to remember to pack!
1. 2-3 pairs of shoes. You’re going to be dancing in class all day then competing. Bring something comfortable since you’ll be on your feet all day.
2. Deodorant and dry shampoo. Don’t be the stinky person! Dry shampoo is a life saver always!
3. A reusable water bottle. I’d definitely make sure to bring a small bag with you for the classes with water, snacks and your deodorant and maybe from mints or gum 😉
What are some of your dance convention necessities?
#countrydancing #countrydance #countryswing #countryswingdancing
NWC is right around the corner!
May 9-May 12 at the Grove Hotel in Boise ID
⭐️Thursday: Pre-party, workshops, State Finals, All Level Strictly and line dance show case, and social dancing. All at “The Farm”
⭐️Friday: workshops 10:45-7pm. Prelims/ Finals for Beg-Adv Line Dance, All Star Semis, Social Dancing
⭐️ Saturday: Workshops 9:45-5, Intermediate- Advanced country swing (J&J and strictly) competitions, All Star Finals, and Social Dancing
⭐️Sunday: Workshops 10:15-4:45, Beginner Mentor JJ Competition, Team Line Dance Competition, Steals Competition, Switches Competition, Social Dancing and After Party
Get more information, workshop/competition tickets and more at the link in the bio
#countryswingdancing #countryswing #countryswingdance #danceconvention #nwc24 #countrynomads #boiseidaho
NWC24 is ✨40✨ days away!
Here are some of our tips for competing.
1. Settle. This is one of the most common things we see dancers not doing. If you’re unsure if you settle or not watch some of your dance videos. Pay attention to your heel. Is it touching the floor before your next move? Or is there a constantly a gap between your heel and the floor?
2. Dance your dance. When you get into an environment filled with a ton of dancers, it’s easy to watch them and judge yourself. Maybe they do something you like but don’t do. Maybe their styling is different. It’s easy to get in your head about your own dancing style. When you’re competing, don’t try to add new things to your dance in the moment. This usually does more harm then good. Focus on what you do well and dance to the best of your ability. You can learn new things and work to incorporate them into your next competition.
3. Have fun! At the end of the day, dance competitions are supposed to be fun! Dance is fun! Let yourself enjoy the moment and show that while you dance.
Judges only have a few seconds to watch each dancer. Your dance could be perfect but you happen to mess up right as the judge looks at you. So much of competitions comes down to luck. Do your best, learn from the experience, and keep dancing and keep competing!
What are some of your dance competition tips?
#countryswingdancing #countrydancing #countryswing #countrydance #nwc24
Alongside the “normal” competitions we will be having a handful of ✨FOR FUN✨ Competitions like a Steals Comp!
Three-For-All: sign up in teams of 3. Steal back and forth in front of a panel of judges for an overall score. It’s bracket based competition to finals.
This will be a ton of fun!
You can sign up with the link in the bio!
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #countrydancing #countrydance #danceconvention #dancecompetition
Competing is a lot more fun when you go into it with other reasons besides winning.
Obviously everyone wants to win 😅 but only a handful of people will.
SO when you go into it with 1-2 other reasons outside of winning it can relieve some of the competition nerves and can make the experience even more fun.
Win or lose, you get to walk off that dance floor feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment! You get to dance with new people. Show off your hard work. And experience the competition energy and excitement! It’s contagious!!
Come experience it yourself at NWC24! Tickets are on sale now!
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #countrydancing #countrydance
Did you hear the news?
Competitions tickets for NWC24 are on sale NOW!
Grab your friends, grab your tickets, and come dance with us at NWC!
Tickets on sale in the bio
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #countrydance
This is a really common question we get when people are signing up for competitions. Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion.
What other questions do you have about country swing dancing competitions?
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #bardance #countryswingcompetition
One of the cool things that separate country swing from other dances, like west coast swing, is the use of alternating footwork.
In this dance style, the footwork revolves around the follow. Why does this matter to you?
If the follow has her left foot forward, ready to step with the left foot, you wouldn’t want to put them into a “right side pass” why?
The follow is prepped to do a move that turns to the left. (Whichever foot you step with is the direction you are turning)
If you tried to lead them into a “right side pass” the move would be clunky and uncomfortable for the follow.
Whether you’re doing basic moves or advanced moves you will always have one move turning the follow to the left followed by a move turning the follow to the right.
Ex: back hand pass right side pass reset.
Follow for more country swing tips
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #countrydance #partnerdancing #bardancing
Competition season is well underway. For everyone looking to compete or who just wants to improve their dancing let’s talk ✨timing✨
country swing dancing has 2 types of timing. One step (stepping on each beat) and Quick Quick Slow (stepping on beats 123 hold 4 step 567 hold 8)
Novice Level Timing: we’re looking for you to have a basic understanding that this ⭐️ is timing and ⭐️intention to match footwork to timing.
Intermediate Level Timing. Leads and follows should consistently be able to find and hold their own timing. Large movements should line up with phrase changes. Going BEYOND just hitting phrase changes.
Advanced Level Timing: Leads and follows should STAY on time, hit ALL phrase changes, and be able to manipulate and syncopate with their own footwork on time.
All Star Level Timing: leads and follows should be able to⭐️ Find ⭐️ Express and ⭐️ explore Their own timing. Demonstrate the beat of the music throughout the entire body.
#countryswing #countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #partnerdancing #countryswingcompetition #countrynomads
🌶️ Hot Topic 🌶️
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What do judges look for in a country swing dancing competition?!
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This is an awesome question we gets asked ✨A TON✨ so let’s dive in
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1. Timing - country swing dancing has 2 types of timing. One step (stepping on each beat) and Quick Quick Slow (stepping on beats 123 hold 4 step 567 hold 8)
2. Technique: This referring to body mechanics throughout the dance. It includes both safety and dance style specific criteria. Think Footwork, Frame, Connection, Control and Body Mechanics
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3. Teamwork: in competitions we want to see partners working together to create fun and unique dance within the structure of the dance. Ex: follows can help leads get on time if they loose it. Leads can help ensure follows don’t break their frame on spins. Are you both playing with the music? Or is one partner playing and the other is standing? Is one partner out dancing the other?
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4. Content: this is the variety of the moves, transition and order you do them in. Paired with your own unique styling.
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5. Showmanship: this is the last and final thing we look for. How are you presenting yourself to the judges?
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For all this country swing dancing make sure to follow!
Want to compete? Grab 🎟️ for NWC24 in Boise in MAY
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#countryswingdancing #countryswingdance #countrydancing #countrydance #partnerdancing
