Why Lady-styling - by Maria Alkyona
Why do we do lady-styling and what is it exactly?
To answer this, we welcome our first guest author to this blog: The amazing Maria Alkyona from Greece who has spent over a decade performing and competing in salsa competitions all over the world.
So Maria, what is Lady-styling for you?
-Well, styling is a very personal matter. It’s this special touch that colors our dance and the way to give it our personal flavour. I always like to say to the students in my classes, that you can’t teach styling. What I can give to my students is, my way of expressing the music and moves that I like to use to do that. I can give them body movement and other technical exercises, BUT the way that they work for me. After that it’s up to each one to find their own way to dance and express themselves.
But can you define Lady-styling?
At first, let’s make it clear that there are both men- and lady-styling. We could say, that men use their power more, sharp and strong moves in the shoulders and chest, (very) fast footwork and heel elements. On the other side, lady-styling is (or used to be) softer and more elegant with a variety of “juicy” movements in the hips, arm styling and a feminine touch on the upper body. Although, the reason I mentioned that things used to be like this, is because again we’re talking about dance and expression. There’s no limit on how people feel and dance. Men styling includes body rolls and hip circles, to make the moves smoother, sensual or just more….interesting. Ladies use many strong hits on the chest and (trust me) lots of combinations with fast footwork. Of course, on top of that we have the afro elements. The Orishas of Santeria, Palo, Arará and Rumba have their own body movement and flavour. When we use moves from this dances, except from Rumba, there’s no men or lady’s version. We have to know and respect the history and the tradition of this so beautiful culture.
Summing up
Styling our dance is something we can’t just learn how to do. We can take classes from different people and that I strongly suggest. Go around and learn how the people you admire move and dance, study their techniques. And then go back home (or at a party :P ) and feel how they work for you. Keep what you like and add it to your dance vocabulary.
Important note!
What about styling and social dancing? Here there’s one important rule regarding partner work. Ladies (or followers) styling shouldn’t affect the combinations of the leader. If there are any “flying” arms around or body rolls or….hair flicks and stuff, a follower has to always be ready to continue the partner work as the leader suggests. So, the styling should either be very “light” or better keep the fancy moves for the solo ;)