Creepiness Factor #1: The Urkel Problem
What makes a Lead seem creepy? Bad posture can happen to good people, just like Urkel.
1. Urkel Posture
- Problem:
Pelvis is bowed out toward the world, ala Urkel from Family Matters.
- Why this is creepy:
Besides the oversized glasses, suspenders, pocket protecters, and nasal-sounding voice, Urkel’s defining weird characteristic was a continual pelvic thrust. When leaders present their pelvic area as the first thing in proximity to their partner, you can add 50 creepiness points.
**Although Urkel was sweet and lovable and not necessarily creepy, he annoyed the crap out of the Winsows. Remember how when he straightened his posture, he became “Stephan,” the sexy alter ego who had Laura rushing into his arms?
- What causes Urkel Posture?
Often this posture doesn’t seem like something you might do; however, when guys bend their legs to dance, instead of thinking “get into athletic stance,” their bodies say, “lets make you look like Urkel” This happens when the legs bend and the body bows forward in an effort to keep the back straight.
- Solution:
Using a full length mirror to see your posture, practice standing with your pelvis forward (like Urkel) then isolate your pelvis straight over your hips, and then send your pelvis behind you. Understanding these isolations will help you be more aware of how to build the muscles to keep the pelvis and creepiness points away. When you dance: Find a mirror. Get friends to snap pictures of you when you least expect it.
With these easy steps, you can go from Urkel to Stephan: Good Luck!
