Which is easier to learn – to lead or follow

By: Lee Fox

I don’t think there is one simple answer to that. Both parts have their share of responsibilities to the partnership, so I believe it all has to do with the individual.

Some people find it easier to learn the leader’s part. The leader has a lot to think about. They have to learn their own patterns, understand the follower’s part and ability, keep the timing and the rhythm going, communicate to the follower what is expected of them, watch for other dancers on the floor, and, in the cases of the progressive dances, maneuver the partnership around the floor while choosing the next move they are going to execute based on all of the above. The leader does not have to be the more dominate personality (I’ve seen and danced with my share of dominant followers) but should be more of a multi-tasker.

Some people find it easier to learn to follow. Following is more about reacting to the leader’s silent messages. They don’t have to “know” their patterns as the leaders do though I believe they become even better followers if they do (provided they remember to let the leader lead). They need to learn to go where the leaders go and understand the signals given through the leader’s hands and frame. Of course in the beginning they should learn the basic patterns, the basic rhythms and the basic characteristics of the individual dances. After that it’s about the reacting.

I usually tell people in the beginning to pick one and not to try to learn both parts yet. Get a little bit of experience under their belts (or in their shoes) first. Learn how to move with a partner before trying the other role, and I don’t mean next week unless you’re dancing 24/7.

I personally enjoy both roles and, with the right partners, switching roles in a dance is fun.