Wes! I think you nailed something important with the “feeling like you should be doing something” point.

For me, that’s usually where the overthinking starts. Not from the actual connection or jamming to/with the music, but from being too in my head, FOPO, or trying to force activity instead of just staying present with my partner.

What’s interesting is I’ve actually been going the opposite direction lately and simplifying things on purpose. Field stripping down movements, transitions, and ‘moves’ instead of adding more. Part of me feels like if I can get really comfortable with a smaller set of pieces and execute them confidently whenever they fit naturally, the dance itself becomes more relaxed and collaborative.

Appreciate you sharing that perspective.

Now that makes sense. Appreciate you sharing that @lamont-coy.

Lately in my solo practice, instead of trying to manufacture a whole dance, I’ve been focusing more on individual pieces and decision points. Stuff like re-entering the box, staying inside my box, using footwork to move into/out L-position, setting up a strong first step, then finding my way back into position A or B depending on what I’m feeling.

It’s been helping me slow things down and see the possibilities a little clearer instead of forcing everything at once. Still a ton for me to learn there obviously, but your point connected with where my head’s been lately.

Thank you again.

I’d gently challenge that there is a lot happening at once in a live dance. A dance can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. I could let my partner go and just do basic the entire time if I wanted to or I could put them into a million moves back to back. What I have observed is that overthinking happens when you FEEL you should be doing something but where does that feeling come from and is it legitimate?

Off set practice would involve working on timing and smooth transitioning. In watching video, you can look for areas where it looks like you are rushing or if the follow looks uncomfortable.