The Gentleman's Guide

What is a 'Gentleman'?

Lesson 1 of 11

6 MINS

Everyone can dance like a gentleman, regardless of gender. Everyone can also benefit from a deeper understanding of masculine and feminine movement, regardless of your nature. In this introductory video, I'll be outlining a few misbeliefs about men to help you see how the 'man' in 'gentleman' doesn't have to hold you back. Take a seat and open your mind!

Remember, it's ok to replay the video as many times as you need to until you feel comfortable with the ideas/skill being taught.

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You will learn:

The difference between masculine and feminine movement
Misbeliefs about gender that might be holding you back

Homework

Take a minute to reflect on what you think men and women should and shouldn't do on a dance floor, e.g. 'men shouldn't use their hips' or 'women shouldn't dance too sexual'. Where did these 'rules' come from?

Overview

Lesson 2 of 11

4 MINS

Take a look at how the course is structured and what you'll be learning along the way.

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You will learn:

The structure of the course
The learning sequences of 1) Moves, 2) S.P.I.C.E. and 3) Partner

Homework

Consider how you're going to complete the course by allowing 10-15 mins each day for a week.

Moves 1: Bounce, Rock, Step Tap, and Freeze

Lesson 3 of 11

14 MINS

The Bounce, Rock, Step Tap, and Freeze are a great place to start on any dance floor. They may appear quite simple, but don't let that fool you. It gets a lot more interesting when you start throwing in some walks, plus a drink, and (of course) a hand in the pocket. Stand up and let's get moving!

Remember, it's ok to replay the video as many times as you need to until you feel comfortable with the ideas/skill being taught.

Need some help? Contact Nathan

You will learn:

How to perform the Bounce, Rock, Step Tap, and Freeze

Homework

Try the same drill from the video lesson but this time using only audio instruction.

S.P.I.C.E. 1

Lesson 4 of 11

12 MINS

No dance move is worth much in a social setting if there isn't a little S.P.I.C.E. (Space, Position, Intent, Concentration, and Energy). This concept is what makes The Gentleman's Guide so incredibly useful. It connects you and your moves to those around you. Let's trying adding S.P.I.C.E. to the moves you learned in the previous lesson.

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You will learn:

The meaning of each letter in S.P.I.C.E.
How to apply S.P.I.C.E. to the Bounce, Walk, Step Tap, and Freeze

Homework

Try the same drill from the video lesson but this time using only audio instruction. Adding S.P.I.C.E. to your movement choices is what will bring you closer to others.

Partner 1

Lesson 5 of 11

13 MINS

We always want to be preparing ourselves for the real deal, and what better way to do that than with a virtual partner. Let's now practice the first four moves and the concept of S.P.I.C.E. with the help of Carmina and Ranjeet. Try your best to not only keep up with their moves, but their intent and concentration too!

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You will learn:

How to respond to your partner's S.P.I.C.E. as they move on the dance floor

Homework

Have a go at doing this partner drill in-person with a friend or family member. Don't just copy their moves... copy their S.P.I.C.E.!

Moves 2: Three Step and Shuffle

Lesson 6 of 11

12 MINS

It's time to learn two more moves: the Three Step and Shuffle. These moves are much more challenging than those in Module 1, but they will open you up to a world of attractive and energetic options that are suitable for social situations. Remember, as with all of the lessons, you can replay this lesson as many times as you need. Most people find these moves tricky at first!

Need some help? Contact Nathan

You will learn:

How to perform a Three Step and Shuffle

Homework

Try the same drill from the video lesson but this time using only audio instruction.

S.P.I.C.E. 2

Lesson 7 of 11

9 MINS

We'll now take your two new moves through the process of S.P.I.C.E.. You might have noticed that these moves fall into one of two categories: inviting or performative (even intimidating). That's why it's important to know how to use them most effectively in social situations. You might find that your ability to multitask is pushed to its limits in this one, but when it comes to dance, practice really does make perfect!

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You will learn:

How to apply S.P.I.C.E. to the Three Step and Shuffle

Homework

Try the same drill from the video lesson but this time using only audio instruction.

Partner 2

Lesson 8 of 11

4 MINS

It's time to hit up the dance floor with your virtual partner. This is your chance to put the moves from Module 2 to the test. Good luck!

Remember, it's ok to replay the video as many times as you need to until you feel comfortable with the ideas/skill being taught.

Need some help? Contact Nathan

You will learn:

How to respond to your partner's S.P.I.C.E. as they move on the dance floor

Homework

Have a go at doing this partner drill in-person with a friend or family member. Don't just copy their moves... copy their S.P.I.C.E.!

Moves 3: Hip Swing, Hip Circle, and Chest Circle

Lesson 9 of 11

9 MINS

Your final module will unlock the potential of your hips and chest. These parts of the body are much more intimate. While it may be a bit unusual at first - even funny - I can't stress enough how important your hips and chest are when it comes to sealing the deal on a dance floor. Use them once someone has invited you into their space to show that you are in touch with your body and prepared to be intuitive with theirs. Let's get into the Hip Swing, Hip Circle, and Chest Circle.

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You will learn:

How to perform the Hip Swing, Hip Circle, and Chest Circle

Homework

Try the same drill from the video lesson but this time using only audio instruction.

S.P.I.C.E. 3

Lesson 10 of 11

9 MINS

You may find that most of the time the hips and chest are only needed once you're invited into someone's space. However, they can be used to move through the space. One of the main things to be aware of is where you're looking and the intent on your face when you're moving these parts of your body. They are, after all, socially understood to be quite sexual. As you'll see, you can never do enough isolation work!

Need some help? Contact Nathan

You will learn:

How to apply S.P.I.C.E. to the Hip Swing, Hip Circle, and Chest Circle

Homework

Try the same drill from the video lesson but this time using only audio instruction. Adding S.P.I.C.E. to your movement choices is what will bring you closer to others.

Partner 3 and Finale

Lesson 11 of 11

9 MINS

You made it! In your final lesson, you'll get the chance to practice the moves from this module with a virtual partner. Then we'll try one final partner drill using everything you've learned in the entire course. Top up your drink and let's do this.

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You will learn: