How to Choose a Partner for Boogie Woogie

Boogie Woogie is a partner dance where partners are distanced from each other. The partner leads, and the partner follows. Movements are performed energetically and in sync. This speed and energy require dancers to have good reaction skills.

There is an opinion that for Boogie Woogie, it is not necessary to find a permanent partner. That's the beauty of this dance – it involves improvisation.

For social Boogie Woogie, having a regular partner is indeed not important. Dancers do not necessarily need flexibility, plasticity, or great physical fitness.

Age also doesn't matter in this case. Being a social dance, it should allow you to dance with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

But for competitions, where complex acrobatic moves and tricks are highly valued, a permanent partner is very important. As in other dances, finding one is difficult. The dancers must become one to look harmonious. You should start looking for a permanent partner as early as possible to have an equal level of training.

Not only the training level, but also the emotional state of the partners, their goals, and their attitude towards each other matter. What qualities and skills should an ideal partner for Boogie Woogie have?

Physical fitness, flexibility, and plasticity are at the top of the list when choosing a dance partner.

Boogie Woogie includes acrobatic tricks, so partners need to be in good physical shape. The partner must have the strength to lift his partner.

The partner must know how to control her body to become light for her partner. But understand that light weight alone doesn't make her easier. She must maintain balance during various figures and lifts, which is very difficult without feeling the partner. That's what lightness in dance means.

Relationships. They just need to exist. For the most part, dancers say it doesn't matter what kind of relationship. Even resentment or anger can make the dance brighter and more emotional. It's much worse if the relationship is limited to the dance floor or studio.

Musical ear. Boogie Woogie is an improvisational dance, so partners must quickly adapt to different musical rhythms, which requires a good sense of music. You need to feel the rhythms, understand their mood, and express it in the dance.

One goal, one idea. Partners should think in the same direction. They should have a common goal that helps them understand each other and achieve high results together, as a team. Cohesion and complete trust help them move in sync and not be afraid to open up to each other in the dance. Also remember that dancers are creative individuals, each with their own personality wanting to stand out, which will not benefit both partners. So first, all efforts should be directed toward creating a pair as a single whole.

The best place to find a dance partner is your group, where you start your dance journey together, where you communicate, see each other's successes and mistakes. Don't be shy about your partner or afraid to open up, because a person who decides to dance Boogie Woogie craves this communication. Boogie Woogie is one of the most sincere and emotional dances, and there is no place for restraint.