Partnership Dancing ^SM purchased in 6 countries

This comment was posted on a folk dance forum in response to a friendly exchange "Wow, it sounds like a whole lot of rules...is there any punishment for the disobedient? ?... :))".

Actually, there are no "rules" at all, just good physiology and good physics, as well as politeness, personal responsibility, and common sense.

I have been dancing Israeli and international, contra, swing, and ballroom, for over 20 years. Andy's classes are the only ones where I do not get hurt--pushed, pulled, jerked, stepped on, or "thumb wrestled".

He is the only teacher I have ever had who does not teach only moves, patterns, and choreography, but instead has worked out a few basic principles that apply to all types of dancing.

No punishment, only pleasure.

Erin

The following note is from Jeff after attending the Chagigah dance camp in Wisconsin.

Andy,

A markida [woman dance leader] from out of town recently told me that it was a pleasure to dance with me, that I did not break her arm, and that I was very gentle. This was music to my ears, as I have been working on dancing safely and comfortably, without any pushing or pulling, ever since I attended one of your workshops a few years ago.

Within the same week, I learned that two other dancers with whom I dance frequently were also complimented during a dance camp this past weekend. They were both women who were complimented on their following skills, and one of them was complimented by a markid [man dance leader] with whom she danced.

I dance frequently with both of these women, and we work together on skills that you taught at your workshop in Mount Prospect, IL.

I am very pleased that people are starting to realize the benefits of dancing safely, and these experiences are a real testament to your teaching and mine.

Jeff

One woman had written to me that she thought the swing dance class "was very good--and everyone we spoke with thought the same". I wrote her back asking what she liked specifically and this is her reply.

Andy,

The simplicity of the breaks (movements without a lot of steps), while feeling/practicing the lead, broke it down in a way that was extremely useful. We were able to focus on the lead/follow while not trying to learn a complex dance.

Another thing we found really useful was closing our eyes to get the feel of the lead. You had done that in another of your classes. A lot of us were dancing with our ordinary partners and that drill is useful so that we do not just watch body language.

Also, ending the evening with Bala was great. It gave us all some dancing that was fun and a chance to dance with everyone. It ends the evening on a positive note and shows that dancing really is fun!

Annette

Annette and her partner Randy now have their own weekly dance session running English country dancing and often are invited to be guest leaders in other cities.

More Comments

Note that the attribution after the name is my addition so you can see their background.

Hi Andy,
It really was an especially enjoyable evening. Many thanks for your hard work and patience.
Arlene, Israeli and international folk dancer

Thanks for putting together the west coast swing classes. I had some people after class tonight mentioning how much they enjoyed it. You did a good job.
Cathy, west coast swing competitor

Thank you for so much Andy.
You have opened my eyes in ways I never could have imagined.
Cheryl, Israeli dancer

Hi, Andy:
I want to thank you for the time and motivation you put into the Israeli dancing. It is certainly a blessing for many.
Cindy, Israeli dancer

Hi, Andy.
Dancing last night was, in my opinion, wonderful. I was so energized when I got home, it was almost like being high.
...
You are very good at leading a group. You are welcoming, have a good sense of pacing, you encourage without being too pushy, correct without giving offense.
Erin, social dancer

Andy,
I find myself using what I learned from you everywhere I can.
Jim, Israeli dance instructor and Nordic dancer

Hi Andy,
Thank you. And Joseph. You guys taught a great class today.
It was a lot of fun and my students absolutely loved it!
Again thank you for 2 wonderful classes.
Juliana, University of Florida professor of dance, dance professional, Brazilian dance instructor

Dear B'nai Israel Board Members:
I want to express to you my feelings about the importance of the Israeli Dance program at B'nai Israel
...
That is because Andy Weitzen is willing to single-handedly put in the energy needed to make it happen. He provides his own music and equipment, he writes a weekly newsletter for local Israeli Dancing, and most importantly, he consistently dedicates his Monday evening each week to running the program, providing a warm environment and genuine expertise for everyone who comes. He patiently teaches and re-teaches us the dances, always able to expand our dance horizons because he knows so many dances. It is a great service that Andy provides to our community ...
Respectfully, Karen, Israeli dancer

Hi Andy,
Saturday was fun. Thanks for playing some "ballroom" music and for getting me into the swing rueda. I probably never would've tried it otherwise!
Kelli, clogging dance instructor and social dancer

Hi Andy,
Just wanted to say that I thought you taught an EXCELLENT class in all ways in lindy hop tonight. ... I like the way you teach! VERY impressive your knowledge of the dance, and excellent the way you taught and broke down each part of each step for both lead and follower - such that by the end of tonight's class - some of the women who I don't think had danced this before were doing surprisingly good. The last song you played in the swing rueda was fairly fast - and many of the followers were keeping up to the speed. I like the technique you taught. I had done a cross behind (with my right foot) on 5 - rather than a step straight (to the right) down the aisle - but your technique seems far simpler - and I found I was able to "open the door" to get the woman swinging out rapidly without any force on my part at all (Nicely worded by you - and nicely demonstrated). After that, it became easy to "rebuild" steps (free spin, inside turn) - and it was "coming back to me . . . ". I don't think I've ever felt as unhurried and relaxed doing swing outs as you had me feeling by the end of the night.

A few suggestions/thoughts: Thanks for helping after class with Danielle. I had never met her before - and she overall was really getting the hang of everything - except the 180 degree turn on 3, which made the dance uncomfortable (because she was facing the wrong way ...). Very helpful that you identified her need not to break her right shoulder so that she would turn on 3 - and also helpful to me to understand how she was already by me on 2 negating any possibility for me to get her to turn unless I did something else to compensate.

... you taught an EXCELLENT class in swing-out, with success at getting virtually everyone doing the step to reasonably fast music which is no small feat. You also were great at refreshing what I had forgotten and not used for at least 3 years . . . THANK YOU!
: ) Ken, social dancer

Dear Andy,
We very much enjoyed the swing dance class today. As always, you are so patient and calm, and make us feel very comfortable.
Marsha and Teo, Argentine tango instructors

Cool, I'll see if she will let me in this week. I like your approach to other teachers.
Michael, contra dancer

Do they pay you?
My Mother, social dancer

Hi Andy!
Annette and I had a great time, as usual, dancing with you last night. And I have to say, I really admire your patience! It can't be easy to stay so calm and collected when some are (rudely) questioning what you're trying to teach. Good job!
Randy, English country dance instructor

Andy,
I thought your presentation on lead/follow techniques was extremely well thought out and helpful. ... it would be a wonderful "elective" activity at workshops like Chagiga and Machol Miami, etc.
Rhea, Israeli dance instructor

Dear Andrew,
What an enjoyable night of dancing on Sunday! A little bit of everything: oldies, newer dances, couples, and learning something new. All in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. You are so good at managing the group and accommodating everyone who shows up.
Veronica, Israeli and Zumba dance instructor

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