Kinda goofy ? about jingling...

[notsocheese]

I'm not a jingle dancer, however I always admired the style and all. My question may be a little goofy but I was just curious. Ok, when y'all dance in a contest do y'all have specific choreographed moves or do y'all just go with the flow and do what comes to you? I always wondered about this. I appreciate any responses. Ah-ho!

[lakotajingledancer]

ha ha ha,that is kinda a goofy question,but its ok.i just go with the flow,dont you when u dance?

[Miss_Nish]

I don't think it's goofy.. :P I understand why u'd ask... Some of those women out there have such graceful steps. Ya get all amazed with the footwork and the movements.

[notsocheese]

I'm a southern cloth dancer so we have only one way to dance---meaning we don't have all the footwork like jingle and fancy shawl dancers. If I were to try to dance jingle (or fancy shawl for that matter) I'd probably bite my tongue off and pull a muscle trying to do some keen footwork. LOL!! But seriously I think the jingle and fancy shawl categories are kick @$$!

[Sweet Syilx]

Ok, dont think this is a goofy question at all. I have been jingling for a number of years now, and I am always stunned by watching my category dance. I cant speak for any other dancers but this is what I do.

I usually spend a few hours a week trying a different number of combinations for footwork. I find that if I do not practice, I find when I am dancing I do not remember the more difficult combinations, so my approach is to get comfortable with a certain step. If I am comfortable then I am more likely to use that step in competition. And take any small opportunity to think of a step. I will try a number of steps if I have an extra moment. I do it when I am standing at the sink and have to stand there for any length of time. I think its a matter of letting your body getting used to a certain step. If your body is familiar with the movement, then you are more likely to use it in competition. Just train yourself to appreciate every little movement and it will pay off in the end. You will have moves in your reportoire to use in competition and you will naturally feel more comfortable with a whole range of movements instead of trying to consciously think of varying your steps during competition. Hope that helps :D

R.

[ojibwaysweetie]

notsocheese, I would have to say it is up to you and the style of jingle you wish to dance. There is traditional and comtemporary dance steps. Tradish is simple and yet very pretty when there are many dancing that style all together. Contemporary is of course, involves the fancy footwork. I love to watch and dance both styles. Watch videos and watch other dancers then try to develop your own style of whichever style you want to dance. Take some time in your room, basement, wherever and put the moves on! Teach yourself, that is the only way you will develop and dance your own style. :)

[biidabinukwe06]

no, i don't think it's a silly question either. i too just go with the flow. :)

[notsocheese]

Thank y'all very much for the responses!

[step_2_da_side]

I'm amazed by the other ladies' style of dancing ---- very intricate and graceful. :blushing: I go with the flow...I also try to not repeat the same steps too much also.

[lakota_smyles]

i kinda do both i guess;) .........when i dance i usually go 10 steps then a move then 10 steps and again a move or i usually start with a move then 10 steps eitha way still works

[hidatsawmn26]

i ususulaly go with the flow...i dont worry about my moves cuz if ya do yall mess up...i jest get out there and dance fer fun and to hell wut anybudy else thinks on wehter i dance good or not...i was taught by my ma to dance a certain way and ive been doing it since i started jingle ages ago and i had one young jingle dacner who was dancing teen catagory told me i dont dance right cuz i dont do any fancy moves like her...i was so upset for long while that it messed me up when i was dancing at a small powwow out in missouri...my ma jest sat me down adn told me to say hell with them at least i know in my heart im dancing the right way...not everybudy dances the same...but since then i do the same as i always have done i dont think about anything when i dance i jest go with the flow..otherwise wuts the fun in dancing jingle if ya think about yar moves all the time ya know?-becca