Thanks for the feedback BallroomChick. I will keep your tip for turning in mind. Rolling through my ankles is something I remember hearing about a while ago from a different instructor, but I can't remember how to do it. I can ask my ballroom instructor about that, though (not the Bachata instructor).
I definitely like the American Rhythm Ballroom technique better than the street style. It not only looks better, it's also a much more effective and ergonomic way to move. I was originally trained in this technique. However, this performance is using street style, and my Bachata instructor has been "breaking me out of" using ballroom-style cuban motion. Since there will be other girls performing with me, I have to match their body styling.
That being said, there is a lot of crossover, and when I want more technical help with something, I ask my ballroom instructor instead of my Bachata instructor. For example, the 2 suggestions you gave me should apply no mater what style. I will bring those up to my ballroom instructor.
I get what you're saying about my instructor struggling to fix me, but I'm pretty forgiving about that because #1 - it doesn't cost much to be on her team and she only charges $25 to take a private with her and #2 - in-spite of not having formal ballroom rhythm technique, she still looks amazing when she dances and I would be happy to look like her. I know that in the short run it will create bad habits for my ballroom rhythm, but in the long run, it's creating much greater body awareness and will be nice to be able to switch styles. I know that a lot of ballroom dancers don't have that perspective - many think learning street style is "bad", but in my opinion it's not bad it's just different. Learning both styles simultaneously is difficult, but I think it will pay off in the end - at least it will make me more versatile if nothing else.
Thanks again!
