For some ladies, eyes shut is the only way they can affectively tune in with their partner and the music. Some say that dancing with eyes closed enables them to immerse themselves completely in the euphoria of the dance, having complete confidence in their partner, following in blissful ecstasy.

However, if you always dance with your eyes shut, you are depriving yourself of important visual and sensory information.

One (literally) overlooked aspect is the vital importance of seeing the physical horizon, which helps to maintain your balance.

Even more obvious is the Follower’s responsibility for seeing anything outside the Leader’s field of vision, particularly if the floor is busy. It isn’t a free-ride – we need to work in harmony with our partner, and collision avoidance is an important part of giving your Leader the best possible dance we can.

Having a level of respect for your Leader to lead you competently and safely around the floor is paramount, but, there are natural blind spots, no matter how much care is taken. Taller leaders may have good peripheral vision, but there will still be blind spots.

It is especially important to be able to adapt your dance to an unfamiliar Leader, to their height / size, experience, and whether the Leader is male or female.

Working together in accord with your partner is not about being in control and taking over the lead if you keep your eyes open, as has been suggested by some.

Having your eyes open without being distracted by what’s going on around you is important in maintaining a more meditative state. This requires practice and concentration at a level of both unconscious and conscious awareness, being in tune with your own mind and body senses, your partner’s, the music, the dance, plus your surroundings.  Each plays a distinct and separate role but combine to heighten your senses and reactions. Responding to any move is a split second decision the Follower makes when her senses are tuned and alert.

If you have already studied meditation, you may find it easier to adapt this skill for dancing.

Leaders cannot predict another dancer’s irresponsibility, thoughtlessness and sadly sometimes stupidity. Being kicked by another follower who is unaware just how close she is, who is unable to adapt her dance, ruins your dance and can be painful.

We have even experienced a follower, with her eyes shut, doing a high and wide boleo, and even kicking me sitting on a chair!

When a follower inserts decorations into her dance, you often open the close embrace connection, so it’s even more important to do them carefully.

A gentle pressure from the Follower’s left hand is enough to indicate to her partner to avoid an unseen potential hazard.  It doesn’t detract from your connection. A jolt, bump or kick does.

It truly shows how important it is to know when to open your eyes and not blindly dance.

There are no hard and fast rules, but as always, it’s useful for Followers to have options available to them, and use their skills sensibly and wisely.