PARTNERING: WORKING THE LANE

In working the lane, the lead (usually male) role can move any way
they want as long as they understand the follower (usually female)
role. The follower travels the lane in the direction the leader sets
or opens them in. The lead my change the direction of the lane
anytime throughout the dance and that becomes the new direction that
should be followed.
>
> The follower travels the lane just as if it's a lane on the
highway. They should not have to veer off to the sides or cross the
other dance couple's lane or space. This addresses floor etiquette
and spacing but we will come back to that. The leader has the freedom
to travel (in the lane, crossing the lane, around the outside, etc) in
any direction as long as they are aware of the follower's position and
how they must travel. If the leader has not cleared the lane in time
for the next move (turns usually are initiated on the 1, 4, or 7) the
follower is not able to travel or move into that position. Many times
the lead will try to force that turn or move and the follower ends up
going around the lead instead of making a smooth transition through
the lane. I think maybe this is where the confusion comes in. The
lead position is taught the importance of the lane to understand how
the following position moves and in order to understand how to lead
properly.
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> Also, to touch back on floor etiquette - when dancing on a crowed
floor the dance should be done small as if standing in a square (2
floor tiles wide x 2 long). If the floor is less crowded you can make
the dance bigger. Leaders should keep this in mind so they are not
leading turns to far out. Basic turns should be lead with the same
rhythm as the music and your count. So on a slow song the count and
the turn should match the tempo of the song and the same for faster
songs. Double and triple turns will be faster, more like a spin than
turn.
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> And lastly, when leading trios or more, the positioning is the
same. The lanes should be established unless in a circle formation.
This allows smooth travel and less chance of followers running into
each other. It also makes it easier for the leader when switching the
followers positions because he know where they are without having to
look around to see. It becomes instinct.
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> Disclaimer: This is just my understanding of the dance. There
are many variations and styles as well as folks putting a little of
their own flavor to it. The key is to have fun and enjoy what you
do. You should not feel that you have to do it exactly like everyone
else. The goal is for leaders to lead in a way that is easy to follow
and understand. And for followers to keep the rhythm and be able to
flowing anyone.