Quote from: April Lee on April 22, 2015, 10:56:58 AM
I have talked about it here a few times that I am a rock and roll girl through and through. I have also mentioned how dancing has become a major part of my new life. I normally dance in clubs, usually in off hours when they are fairly empty. I like to move all over open spaces, and on hard floors, sliding is incorporated into my movement. None of that is possible in the small carpeted space in the video below. This video also has a more driving beat than I typically dance in the clubs. But I think it shows pretty well my movements from the waist up. I started this thinking about doing a poor imitation Tina Turner, and as I got tired as the video went on, I think I look more like a really poor version of Mick Jagger. In the 2nd half of it, I can be heard a few times gasping for air, and my gasps sound pretty male.
I am wondering how girl I look doing this. I am thinking not very much, but I love doing it.
This response is specifically for April Lee. I have read the other responses, and although I don't agree with all of them, they are opinions and I respect the right of everyone to express their opinion. They are neither right nor wrong. I wish to offer mine as well since you have asked for feedback, April. I want to give you legitimate feedback that you can use, and it is not delivered with any malice or intention of hurting your feelings. I'm simply giving you a Simon Cowell-like response with what I see is useful information to really make a difference in improving your presentation into the direction you have stated you want to go. In other words, I'm trying to give you some constructive criticism to help you.
Now other trans women, and gg's have constantly asked me how I'm able to walk, run, and even dance so effortlessly as a woman, so I kinda know what I'm talking about here and not just blowing BS outa my bunghole at you.
When watching your vidoes, the first thing I thought was: I think you dance like a man trying to dance like a woman. Reasons are:
1) You need to seriously loosen up, seriously, like get a nice buzz going kinda loosened up crack your neck and shake your arms out, kind of loosened up. The movements are too controlled, almost like you're afraid to get your girl groove on. Consider getting into stretching to open up some flexibility and allow your movements to be more fluid. It's too mechanical right now.
2) A woman's weight is all in her hips. Watch that video someone posted in this thread, don't even turn on the volume, and just watch how all the weight is in the hips. The arms
accentuate a woman's movement, they don't make it. You're doing the reverse because you're used to doing so with a man's frame and that's how men dance. Their weight is in the shoulders and is more rigid with the movement.
Here is a simple suggestion that truly helps with acquiring a more female movement, and this works beyond dancing as well. WEAR FLATS. Sneakers even. When trying to learn a new dance technique, or style, dancers do not typically run out in heels to do it, they wear flats. This is because flats will give you your rock steady base. You'll feel more comfortable wearing flats. When you have the dance/movement down pat, then you start building up in heel height. (This honestly applies to just walking and running as a woman as well, and far too many Trans women think they need to wear heels to look fem, when it causes the reverse constantly). Secure your base, your foundation, your footing, with a comfortable pair of flat sneakers, then work up.
Positives I noticed in your videos:
1) You're clearly having fun and enjoying yourself. Don't stop doing this!
2) You projecting a positive fun energy. Don't stop doing this either!
3) For your next video, hide all mirrors, and don't look at your laptop or camera. Just set it up. Know where you have to be to stay in frame, and unshackle your soul and go nuts.
Remember the weight is in your center, throw it around and use the rest of your body to accentuate/highlight it. It moves everything else. But make sure you have a good footing with a pair of comfy sneakers or flats. Help the transition from one type of movement to another by helping your feet have a bit of familiarity.
