Leading and following that takes place between two people out on the dance floor can be analyzed down to the tiniest detail and is probably the most complex form of communication that takes place between two human beings. At its best and most highly developed level it is exhilarating and immensely gratifying to the couple that achieves it, especially in improvisational/spontaneous dancing when you meet a partner who can lead (or follow). Leading and following are skills that require true intelligence and cognitive abilities such as learning, pattern recognition, and non-verbal communication. Watching a champion Jack & Jill couple is like watching the improvised composition of a piece of art.

There are many misconceptions about lead and follow, expounded by both men and women. Untrained dancers sometimes seem to think that the lady is just supposed to go limp and the man bends her to his will. This is grossly mistaken. While some people may be willing at a beginning social level to tolerate this, it cannot last long — it is too exhausting for the man and too painful for the woman. A woman without good posture, correct body/foot positions and body tone is simply not leadable. The man cannot be expected to position every part of the woman's body. A man without these qualities is not followable because the woman cannot distinguish the signal from the noise (and may be physically prevented from doing the intended figure). Leading should not be tiring — it is only tiring when the follower isn't following. Leading is not pushing or pulling. It is communicating an intention. Dancing is an art form, despite the fact that it requires the prowess of an athlete.

Mark your calendar. The America's Ballroom Challenge (Ohio Star Ball) will air nationally starting in January 2007 on PBS. Schedule shows one hour segments to be aired at 8 PM on 1/24/07, 1/31/07, 2/7/07, 2/14/07 and 2/21/07. Check your local PBS listings to be sure of date and time.

What a Night!!! If you missed this event you really missed a great opportunity to share your love of dance with our community. The place was packed all night. We were located in the beautiful Virginia Ballroom of the Sir Walter Apartments (formally the Sir Walter Hotel) with huge chandeliers and beautiful lighting on all sides. This room was built for dancing!! Tom Tucker and Jessica Rae taught a Foxtrot lesson at 8pm and then an East Coast Swing lesson at 9pm. First Night sponsored a Dance Competition at 10pm. We had four couples dancing two dances, a Waltz and a Cha-Cha. Due to having a tie between two couples, we had a Foxtrot dance off. The winner was none other than Leslie Young and Cullen Whitley. Congratulations on winning, but more importantly, for making the crowd go ballroom crazy.

Thanks to Kevin Frank, we had great music for the event. We also had over 20 volunteers helping set up chairs, helping with the lessons, and sharing their love of dance with the visitors. I want to personally thank Kevin, Jessica, Cullen, Leslie, Dawn, Pat, Joe, Margaret, Jeff, Nancy, Tim, Dan, Tim Lo, Laurin, Chirag, Illian, Carolina, Elaina, and my one and only Delia for taking their time to help.

Tom Tucker

Volunteers are needed for the 2007 Triangle Open on the NC State campus in Tulley Student Center February 2nd and 3rd. Several of our members participated last year by transporting the judges to and from the airport and acting as runners at the event. To register, please contact Wayne Crowder at 336-623-4961 or e-mail the Crowders atmrcrowder@earthlink. For information, please visit the competition website at: www.d ancingwithwolves/triangle. contributions.

We will be having a dancer's exchange soon, probably in March before the March USA Dance. More details will appear in future newsletters.

A dancer's exchange is a place where you can come to buy—or sell—new or gently used dancewear. We hope to have a good assortment of ballgowns, dance shoes, costumes, jewelry, cocktail wear, wraps, funky dance clothes — anything for a dancer. This is a great way to get costumes for upcoming competitions and showcases.There’s sure to be something for everyone so come on out to our Dancer’s Exchange. Sell something you’re tired of and/or get something you’ve been wanting. There is no charge to sell or shop but please let me know if you are planning to sell so we make sure we have enough racks/tables.

Also, if you have any portable clothes racks or full- length mirrors that we could use it would be greatly appreciated.

If you need to reserve space or want more information contact Vickie Cribb, no babycrib@aol.com or 846-8854.