Centering the Follower?

[Clifton Chow <TangoPassionMoon @AOL.COM>]

My fellow Tangueros,

I would like to address this note to all instructors and to followers, especially followers who have been studying lead and can understand some of the difficulty of leaders who are trying to move freely.  I remember someone once saying it is very important for a follower to centre herself so that her weight is not too heavy in her upper body.  I currently dance with many followers who still have difficulty centering themselves.  They are putting too much stress in their upper body.  Some have difficulty being led, giving up control.  Others could dance all night doing front ochos without being led to do so because that is what they think embellishment means.  I think what separates an intermediate follower from an advanced follower is embedded in this statement by Astrid:

"I am told that good followers achieve a kind of Zen state where their minds go blank and they just respond much like martial arts masters."

Short of all the discussion involving what leaders can do to pay attention to the connection, how can we help followers practise centering themselves even before the dance has begun so that they can achieve that lovely Zen state?  Is there an exercise, a state of mind, something?  The chief frustration I feel is that every time a follower puts all that stress in her upper body, even doing simple ochos, I can't move freely and improvise.  I've tried telling her to balance on the balls of her feet, to close her eyes, to stop anticipating.  We are also dancing on very nice floors, so you can eliminate bad surfaces.

Please help.

Clifton de Boston