To be a leader in any form of social dancing is a great joy. The possibility to organize the dance, suggesting the directions, movements, and musicality is a privilege and a powerful responsibility that is able to create the conditions for an engaging dance experience. At the same time, these same responsibilities can bring some anxiety, especially in the beginning of the leader's journey. 


"Too many things to think about!”

"Okay, I’ve done all the moves that I know. What do I do next?"

"I think the follower is bored. How can I make my dance more interesting?"


Most leaders end up thinking one of these questions during their journey as a result of this feeling that they need to do something interesting at all times.


But then what are the things that make a good leader? What are the elements that allow leaders to create an experience of mutual and consensual joy, engagement and fun?


In this brand course with Gui Prada, he’s going to share some of his knowledge around being a mindful leader who’s able to adapt, engage and create an amazing experience on the dancefloor with almost any follower. 


HOW DOES IT WORK?

This course took place over the course of 8 weeks. There will be 6 hour long classes and 2 shorter pre-recorded ones with follow-along and assignments. Classes are a mix of talking, experiencing with exercises, moments to follow along, and sharing with each other.


Each week will focus on a new topic. Through these classes, you’ll get an assortment of different tools to help leaders develop their dance foundations and mindset and be better set up for success. 

IS THIS A SOLO OR A PARTNER COURSE?

This is strictly a solo class.

FOR LEADERS OR FOLLOWERS?

This course is designed for leaders.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN?

The content designed for this course goes beyond technique. It touches on points that can make a difference in the way leaders see their role in social dance. Gui planned a material that is going to offer valuable insights and tools that he uses. Tools that have proven themselves time and time again to be effective in creating a mutually fun, engaging, joyful experience.


If you are concerned that the fact that you might not have a partner to lead things will make your experience less impactful, worry not. We’ve got you covered. The course material was developed in a way that doesn't require a partner. 


We will work on leading, without leading.

PREREQUISITES

The only thing we ask for this class is knowledge of timing and the basic fundamentals, especially the Basics in place, side, and linear.


The more you know and have experience with the dance, the more examples you’ll be able to draw on to apply the concepts you learn. 

WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM?

In this course, we are going to cover the following topics:

  • The Leader's Mindset

  • Footwork and groundedness

  • Use of vocabulary

  • Posture and balance

  • Musicality and playfulness

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS COURSE?

  • 6 hour-long classes recorded live and 2 pre-recorded classes

  • Stored content so videos can be accessed and reviewed later (for up to 90 days for standalone purchases)

  • Opportunities to share practice videos and ask questions

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Instructor

Senior Instructor Gui Prada

Gui Prada started dancing in 2004 inspired by the movie "Shall We Dance?". He began to dive deep into dance in 2006 as a work-study trainee of the Jaime Arôxa Dance School in Rio de Janeiro. Jaime Arôxa, one of the creators of Brazilian Zouk, was the head instructor and was a mentor for the most accomplished dancers in Brazil. During his 6 years as a member of the school's team, he learned all Brazilian partner dances (Forró, Samba de Gafieira, Soltinho, Bolero and Zouk) as well as Argentine Tango. After he left the school, he continued dancing and learning from other remarkable instructors, including Fabiano Vivas, Kelly Reis, Érico Rodrigo, Guilherme Pimentel and many others. Since then he has focused his training and research on taking the best of each of these dances and applying it to the close embrace, with the purpose of conveying a sense of well-being and relaxation to dance partners. In 2016 he attended the first Zouk Retreat in Valencia, led by Xandy Liberato, Brenda Carvalho and Anderson Mendes. After that, his research on partner dancing took a new direction, as he continued working with Brenda and Anderson to seek for the application of the concepts explored at the retreat in different ways by using the references of the other Brazilian partner dances and Argentinian Tango. As a result, the importance of the basic steps and concepts became evident, since it is through them that all dances reach another level. Gui is looking forward to sharing his technique and training with students here in Washington DC to help them improve their basics, comfort and confidence on the dance floor.