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Lead and Follow

No subject in Lindy Hop brings up as much gnashing of teeth and breaking out in cold sweat as lead and follow. For those who lead, there's the tremendous burden of simulatenously listening to the music, trying to stay on beat, maintaining good frame and position, giving good leads, all the while trying to come up with a series of moves that entertain our partner and match the music. For Follows, there's the pressure of correctly reading and interpretting the Lead's signal while keeping on the beat, maintaining good frame and position and trying to be creative in the interpretation of the music. Here's a review of some basic concepts in lead and follow for Lindy Hoppers:

For Leads:

• The term "strong lead" doesn't mean that good leads require lots of muscle. When a Follows says "strong lead," she really means a "clear" lead. Jerking your partner all over the dance floor will not endear yourself to her. Use only the force necessary to give her a clear lead.
• Let go on "5". On the Lindy Turn, don't yank her towards you and don't hold on past "5". If you leave a palm-shaped imprint on her side, something's wrong.
• The lead is a "suggestion" to your partner. Allow her to complete the move under her own power without being forced through it.
• Adjust to what your partner does after you lead her. Leading is an active process.
• Don't lead air steps on a crowded social dance floor and never lead air steps with a partner who is not prepared for them.
• Most importantly, maintain a good connection with your partner. Don't go noodle-armed and don't fully extend your arms.
• To improve your lead, dance with beginners to see if they can follow your basic signals. Then dance with experienced Follows and ask them to critique your lead.

For Follows:

• After you feel the Lead's signal, complete the move under your own power. If you force him to move you, he'll pick up a bad habit and future generations of Follows will curse you for it.
• Maintain a good connection with your partner. Don't go noodle-armed and don't fully extend your arms.
• Let a Lead gently know if he is leading you with too much force. This is not rude ... he may honestly not be aware that you are on the verge of a separated shoulder.
• If a Lead tries to lead an air step on a crowded social dance floor or any other move you don't want to perform, simply drop your weight and freeze.
• To improve your follow, dance with experienced Leads and ask them to critique your follow. Also dance with beginning Leads in order to improve your sensitivity.

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