Tips for sighted dancers for inclusive dancing
Imagine you sign up for a partner dance course where a rotation system is used from the start. You think, “Great, I don’t need to find my own dance partner, this will be easy and fun.”
However, during the rotation, you end up dancing with a “blind” or “visually impaired” person. You think, “Okay, I can handle this,” until you actually start dancing.
Here are some tips for sighted dancers dancing with a blind or visually impaired dancer in a regular lesson with a rotation system:
Tip 1: Looking into the eyes doesn’t help to make a connection, so keep it simple by just saying your name.
Tip 2: When you are standing directly across from the dancer, keep your hands as visible as possible. If the visually impaired dancer doesn’t make a move to take your hands, simply initiate the connection yourself.
Tip 3: Always keep in mind that they can’t see your hands, so it’s important for you to look out for both the connection with your hands and be aware at all times. This is actually a tip that applies to everyone. Leaders often need to reach for the hands or arms of followers, which can be frustrating. So, train yourself to do this from the start.
Tip 4: Make your own spatial judgment. What do I mean by that? Make sure you’re not standing too far away or too close to the blind or visually impaired person. That way, you’ll quickly be able to participate in the moves.
Tip 5: If you want to make something clear, say it out loud. Nodding your head, turning towards, or looking at them doesn’t work. Just say it.
Tip 6: Above all, HAVE Fun! Follow your own rhythm and feeling. Amazingly, “blind” and “visually impaired” dancers often adjust to the rhythm you set. Don’t be shy, do your thing, the connection will follow.
Tip 7: Don’t try to be the big helper but ensure you create safety for both yourself and your dance partner. Avoid dancing too close to objects, furniture, walls, or other obstacles. This also applies to the distance between you and other couples on the dance floor.
Tip 8: The blind or visually impaired dancer will rely on their hearing, so choose a spot in the room that’s comfortable for both you and your dance partner in terms of sound. Being too close to the speakers can be distracting, while being too far away can make it difficult for your partner to hear what’s happening in the lesson.
Tip 9: This aligns with the tips for the blind and visually impaired: partner dancing is all about connecting with that other person. It’s no longer about an “I” but a “we” situation, and in these circumstances, everyone gives their best.
Tip 10: Adopt an open attitude and embrace every new dance experience. This will help you analyze and discover the moves in a different way.
These are 10 easy-to-apply tips for general lessons. However, if you want to learn more about dancing with blind and visually impaired people, I’ll give you the most important tip: just like with wine, practice, practice, and practice. Before you know it, you’ll be a true sommelier on the dance floor!
Image Description
Image 1: Group photo from regular salsa lessons by vzw Etage Tropical
Image 2: At the Ghent Festival with the Etage Tropical team in action
Image 3: Dance lessons in the studio
