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The following information is published with ROUNDALAB's permission from the ROUNDALAB Reference Manual compiled by Richard & Jo Ann Lawson, 1987.

Round Dance for Fun

Presented by: Irv & Betty Easterday

Purpose: To develop a technique of individual Round Dance styling for beauty and fun.

Having fun in any form of recreation demands a sufficient knowledge of the fundamentals of the sport, and the learning of the basic means of applying the body to the activity so that balance and control become automatic. In dancing it is only necessary to know a few fundamental things to be able to perform adequately and confidently. Once these are learned they have value beyond dancing itself.

A Beautiful Dancer: A beautiful dancer is one of the most satisfying sights to watch. It is really not the intricate steps or figures which are noticed, but rather the rhythmical way the dancer seems to glide over the floor. There is an alertness, vitality, strength, and beauty which transmits the feeling of complete control of the entire body.

Key to Balance and Control: Good posture is the key to body balance and control. It initiates a "readiness" throughout the whole body. It prepares the dancer to move easily from one step to another, to respond smoothly to the most subtle lead, and to adapt quickly to rhythm changes. Problems of leading and following are closely tied up with proper carriage of the body. A good dance picture means that the entire body is dancing, consequently any action initiated by the lead is transmitted to the follower and the response should be quickly synchronized.

Ear and Ankle Line Up: The subtle thought of maintaining this alignment in an easy natural way gives the person the poise and confidence so rightfully desired by all. The dancer who practices this secret of the body balance will not tire as easily. The dancer who adopts the "ear to ankle line up" as a slogan will have more assurance of what to do and how to do it and will have a great deal more fun.

Dancing to Music: The knowledge of all the step patterns in the world and all their variations is to no avail if the dancer cannot keep time with the music. Knowing the correct placement of the feet is merely the mechanical skill which must be learned. But the true joy comes in transcending the mechanical aspects of the steps by giving oneself up to the music, enjoying its flow, and truly moving in harmony with it. This is what the skilled dancer does, and it should be the goal of everyone who wants to achieve the maximum enjoyment from dancing.

Points to Remember

  1. Keep yourself upright - do not lean forward or backward.
  2. Keep your weight up - not dragging over your feet. Feel "light on your feet".
  3. Keep yourself a moving weight - alert all the way through your body not planted on very spot you take.
  4. Transfer weight smoothly and evenly from foot to foot without unnecessary motion of the hips from side to side, or the body up and down.
  5. Move on a narrow base with feet and legs close together.
  6. Practice walking backwards - the lady must learn to keep her balance when taking long, gliding steps backward.
  7. Keep your eyes off the floor or feet.
  8. Bend the ankles, knees and hips when executing a dip - not the back of the head. The trunk is held erect.
  9. Be at ease but in complete control of all parts of the body.
  10. Relax, listen to the music, and ENJOY DANCING!

Severn Short-Cuts to Style

  1. Relax: Only when you're relaxed can your personality shine out. From head to toe - no stiffness!
  2. Keep Compact: Style-on-the-move should be subtle rather than flamboyant. So never over-do! Keep your body compact and weight well over your feet.
  3. Accent: Listen for the accented beats of music. Once you feel them, accent your steps. Put a bit more foot pressure into the strong beats. This can add new color to your dancing.
  4. Blend: While accenting, remember to blend. Carry over each step smoothly into the next. Think of taking steps in a group. The style note is that you'll feel and look more sure of what you're doing.
  5. Watch Others: A fast way to add striking touches to your dancing is to steal a little style! Watch someone whose dance style you admire and be a copycat - but be subtle.
  6. Think: A little head work will help your footwork. Are you on the balls of your feet? Are your toes pointed? Are your knees relaxed and close together?
  7. Have Fun: Being alert to the rules of dancing is fine - if you are also alert to your partner. Have fun! Sparkle is the fastest short-cut to style on the dance floor. And it is do easy!

There's something about a smile, I know,
It never can stay in one place.
As sure as you smile, it's bound to go
And appear on another's face.