Over years I have danced with a lot of people. The experience enables me to tell partner's level and response, along with a lot of things on the spot.
Last weekend I had opportunities to dance with a Jazz/contemporary dancer in a social dance party. She had a fluid, light and nice feel, somewhat similar to the Natural feel. Since she had not been used to partner dances, her frame was soft and response was not sharp yet. But she followed well. I am certain she will be able to dance great before long. And I am also certain that she can easily surpass some long time but "mechanical" dancers pretty soon.
Those made me think about the necessities as a partner dancer.
Having fit, pretty, and moving-well body is one thing. Solo dances (hip hop, club, jazz/contemporary, zumba etc) can get you that. On top of that, to be a good partner dancer, you need to have a set of interpersonal skills. It is like two Karate guys; who can break things and who can knock out the opponent. It takes certain tenacity to dance with a partner well, or to knock out the opponent. And I value the "tenacity" highly.
To be a great partner dancer, you need to have both; the ability/skill to dance solo with an appeal, and the ability/skill to communicate, to feel, and to get the dance work together. It may be helpful to make conscious efforts to develop both abilities and skills.
I would come back and write how to train the latter skill, when I feel like it. As a matter of fact, there are many exercises you can try for the matter.
Last weekend felt like an eventful weekend. I went to a milonga, Watermelon festival and a social dance party. Briefly checked out a movie shooting, and had a long discussion about how to find one's life purpose. And, the Olympic Games closed. It was fun.
