[Dixielandjazz] Music for dancing

[dwlit at cpcug.org]

Just to connect the dots of Phil's 2 posts:

Maintaining consistent tempo during a tune is mandatory. I think the same
goes for keeping the same rhythm pattern--I used to have arguments with my
bass player, who wanted to do the first chorus 1 & 3, then go to 4/4 on
4/4 tunes.

Among dancers "strict tempo" refers to the American Ballroom Dancing Assoc.
competition tempo list. (There's also a British equivalent).

>From the first days of my danceband career I got great reviews from good
dancers for my tempos, so I confidently approached and was hired by a
ballroom for one of their monthly live band parties. Really bombed--people
left early; not realizing its significance, I had blissfully ignored the
tempo list the boss gave me. The less expert dancers gear their steps and
licks to the precise tempos, and are thrown for a loop when the tempo is
slower or faster. As with jazz musicians, the better dancers can adjust to
different tempos, and may even enjoy doing something different.

Phil mentioned the string-of-solos syndrome. More specifically, ballroom
dance teachers have told me generally to keep the tunes to 3.5-4 minutes.

--Sheik

> One more thing about dancers:
>
> More accomplished dancers will want slower tempos for each dance than will
> the less expert.
>
> The advanced dancers will use more intricate patterns which require the
> movements of the partners to be carefully synchronized. And the woman's
> part
> usually is more complicated than the man's, while she wears high heels.
>
> If you rush the better dancers, they will be unhappy with you.
>
> If anyone would like a copy of the tempo chart for dance competitions,
> I'll
> be happy to send it to you.
>
> Phil Wilking
> Those who would exchange freedom for
> security deserve neither freedom nor security.
>
>
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