Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Quickstep - Check (or Rock) Step

The steps you already have for Quickstep are easy enough to simply navigate around the circle of the room, but sometimes corners jump out at you unexpectedly, or there are other people on the floor that you need to be able to drive around. The Check Step is perfect for that.

Repeat it as many times as necessary, with turn or without, it is versatile and when coming after a long string of movement, feels fun too.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Basically the man leads the first step forward (on his Left foot) but keeps the pressure behind the Lady's back to tell her that she is not going to keep moving backwards. He then rocks backwards to replace the weight onto his Right foot (Both of these being "Slow" counts)

and then takes the side together on the quick quick, starting on the Left foot and closing the right.

You can do this step with no turn, a quarter turn on the side together, or any amount of turn that is needed. You can do four in a row to go in a circle (if using a quarter turn) should you get blocked in somewhere on a busy floor, or one to help you navigate a corner.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

As usual you will step back on the Right foot on a Slow count. Instead of continuing to move backwards though, you will be led by pressure on your back to rock forward onto your Left foot on the next slow.

Then the following two quicks are done as usual stepping side on your Right and together on your Left.

Notes for Both Leaders and Followers:

- The amount of turn you do is dictated by the motion in the man's upper body on initiating the movement. Turn the shoulders slightly pulling the left one back and right one forward as you initiate the turning portion of the step.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Samba - Whisk

Much like the Basic Movement, a whisk has the same general footwork, however it moves from side to side instead of from forward to back.

The same rules for timing and part weight apply though! You should still be counting "1-and, a, 2" and the "a" step only has enough weight given to it so that you can lift the other foot slightly off the ground.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Step side onto your Left footwith your knee bent for count "1-and". (Try to leave your Right foot where it was; you will have to lift your heel off the ground so the leg is extended and the foot is pointed.)

Stretch your Left knee as you pull your Right foot into a crossed position behind your Left putting only part weight on the Right foot for count "a". Then replace your weight onto the Left foot putting it down where it was for Count "2".

Reverse by stepping to the side on your Right foot. Remember that your knee should be bent for this step. (Count "1-and")

Stretch your Right knee and pull your Left foot into a crossed position behind you on Count "a" taking only part weight onto the foot. Replace the Right foot where it was on Count "2".

Repeat as desired.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Step side onto your Right foot with your knee bent for count "1-and". (Try to leave your Left foot where it was; you will have to lift your heel off the ground so the leg is extended and the foot is pointed.)

Stretch your Right knee as you pull your Left foot into a crossed position behind your Right putting only part weight on the Left foot for count "a". Then replace your weight onto the Right foot putting it down where it was for Count "2".

Reverse by stepping to the side on your Left foot. Remember that your knee should be bent for this step. (Count "1-and")

Stretch your Left knee and pull your Right foot into a crossed position behind you on Count "a" taking only part weight onto the foot. Replace the Left foot where it was on Count "2".

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- Remember that in Samba at least one of your knees should be bent on every "whole" count (1, 2, etc) to make sure that the bounce action is happening at the right times. Practice simply bouncing to the music before putting footwork in if you are having trouble combining the two.

- Keep your shoulders and upper body square to your partner throughout this step. From the waist down you can develop a figure eight sort of hip movement, but that should not affect your shoulders.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Quickstep - Lock Step

One of the steps that is strongly associated with the Quickstep is a Lock Step.

Done on the Man's forward portion of the Basic Movement, instead of turning the 90 degrees on the "Quick, Quick" it continues forward (backwards for Ladies) and the legs come together in a crossed position.

This type of movement plus the speed (and therefore momentum) of the dance is what allows the dynamic and floor covering qualities that define a good quickstep.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

This step begins with your Right foot forward and then your Left foot following the same diagonal forward. Cross your Right foot behind your left so that your toes are pointing in opposite directions and your insteps are touching. (Your heels shouldnt be on the floor at this stage.) (Slow, Quick, Quick) Step forward onto your front/Left foot (Slow) forward again with your Right (Slow) before taking your quarter turn on the Quick Quick as in the Basic Movement.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Ladies, you are doing the natural opposite to the men. You begin with your Left foot going backwards, take another step backwards with your Right. Cross your Left foot in front of your Right foot - toes turned out and insteps together, heels off the ground. (Slow, Quick, Quick) Then take two more Slow steps backwards before taking your quarter turn on the Quick Quick as in the Basic Movement.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- The part of this step that is the "Lock" is done outside of partner. Gents, you take your second step slightly to the side in order to get outside your partner which both gives you room to do the lock step and tells your partner that it is coming. Do not make that a large movement to the side or allow your partner to suddenly be under your armpit! Keep your frame and the general line of dance, simply step slightly outside.

- This step can be followed by the second half of the basic movement.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Samba - Basic Movement

(sorry for the slight delay on this one, the show i am currently doing has erased all memory of days of the week from my mind!)

Samba is one of the two Latin Dances that actually travels around the room. It is based on the Brazilian carnival dances and has a completely different hip action to most of the other Latin Dances.

the counting in Samba is also unlike any of the other rhythms that we have seen so far. In Samba the most common rhythm pattern is counted "1,and, a, 2". This is to indicate that the beats are not being broken up evenly. As the "1, and" section above is often one foot movement (but both a bend and a stretch of the knee) the counting is sometimes also reffered to as "3/4, 1/4, 1" - meaning that you take three quarters of the first beat for the first movement, a quarter for the second, and a full beat for the third.

Remember - in Latin dances there are no Heel leads! If you are stepping forward it will almost always be onto a toe! This is especially important in Samba. For this step, and to get the general movement that Samba requires, imagine you are jumping over a little ditch or stream or something with each of your forward and backwards steps. (Sounds like a silly thing, but if you have to imagine that you need to go up and over to the other side and then up and over again to come back to where you started, you will begin to get the bounce action correct.)

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start by going up and over (forward) on your Left foot. (count 1, and)

Bring your Right foot beside your left foot but only with part weight - do not put your heel down! Place just enough weight on the toe that you can lift your Left foot slightly off the ground on count "a" - and then place the Left foot back exactly where it was on count 2.


Reverse this by stepping backwards onto your Right foot. (count 1, and)

And then place your Left foot beside your right, just the toe on the ground, and put just enough weight on it to lift your Right foot off the ground. (count "a") Replace the Right foot where it was on count 2.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork

You are doing the natural opposite of the man. Start by stepping backwards onto your Right foot. (count 1, and)


Place your Left foot beside your right, just the toe on the ground, and put just enough weight on it to lift your Right foot off the ground. (count "a") Replace the Right foot where it was on count 2.

Next, go up and over (forward) on your Left foot. (count 1, and)

Bring your Right foot beside your left foot but only with part weight - do not put your heel down! Place just enough weight on the toe that you can lift your Left foot slightly off the ground on count "a" - and then place the Left foot back exactly where it was on count 2.

Notes for both the Leader and Follower:

- Samba is a tricky dance to do correctly; all the elements (bounce action, hip action, etc) are slightly different from the other latin dances. I would highly suggest trying to take each element on its own and try to perfect your footwork first before adding the bounce action. Get that comfortable before even thinking about your hip movement, and so on.

- Bounce action - this is a term that talks about the bounce necessary for Samba. Generally if you stand with your feet together and bed your knees on the "1" and stretch them on the "and" and continue like that, you will get the feel of the appropriate bounce action. While you do this, make sure not to stick out your bum - but rather to keep your back and hips in line and upright.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Quickstep - Basic Movement

Much like the Social Foxtrot, the Basic for the Quickstep is a zig zag step. Aside from the fact it is done to slightly faster music than Foxtrot, the main difference in the basic is that instead of starting forward on the Left foot and taking two steps before taking the side together (Quick Quick) only one is taken to start and therefore is taken with the Right foot. (Reverse that when thinking of the Ladies steps!)

LEADERS'/MEN’S FOOTWORK

Face your nearest wall . Then turn to your left slightly so that you are on a diagonal.

Start with your Right foot and take one Slow step forward. On the “Quick, Quick” you take a side step onto your Left foot first, changing your angle 90° so that you are now facing the corner to your right. And close your Right foot to your Left on the second Quick.


Step back on your Left foot for the next set of two walks (Slow, Slow) and side together Left, Right – changing the angle back to your original line (Quick, Quick).

Repeat moving forward with your left foot again to continue.


FOLLOWER’S/LADIES’ FOOTWORK


For this basic movement, the lady exactly mirrors the man’s steps. You start with your back to the closest wall and then turn slightly so that your Right shoulder is closer to the centre of the circle.

Start with your Left Foot and take one step backwards on a “Slow” count.

Step side onto your Right foot and close your Left foot to your Right on the “Quick Quick”. As you take these two steps you should change the angle of your body 90° to be facing a new diagonal.


Step forward with your Right foot and then your left on the next two “Slow” counts and then do another 90° turn back to where you started on the “Quick, Quick” stepping side on your right foot and bringing your feet together with your left.

Continue by stepping back again with your Right foot.


Notes for both the leader and follower:


- All forward and backwards steps should be “in line” – which means on the same track as your partner’s feet. Do not attempt to step around or outside your partner, merely place your foot into the space vacated by theirs.

- To turn corners, slightly change the degree of your turn on the side together to facilitate moving around the corner. Make sure that the gent is always moving generally towards his left side and the lady to her right around the room.

- When stepping forward, step onto your heel – as you would when walking normally.

- When stepping backwards, step onto your toe and roll through the foot – as you would should you need to walk backwards generally.

- As this is a dance which ALWAYS changes feet – and is very much like walking in that way – I would count the rhythm when practicing instead of the feet. It is always “Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick-Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick-" etc instead of "Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right..." etc

Friday, April 10, 2009

Rumba - New York and Spot Turn

The New York and Spot Turn in Rumba are just like the New York and Spot turn in Cha Cha Cha - without the cha cha! Your forward or backward movement is still done on the 2, 3, but instead of your cha cha chasse on the 4,+,1, you simply step to the side and transfer your weight for the full 4,+,1.

New York
Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start with your weight on your Right foot, with your left extended out to the side.

Instead of stepping straight forward "through" your partner on Count 2 as you would in a basic movement, turn your shoulders to face the wall to your Right as you bring your Left foot through and step forward in the new direction.
(You and your partner should now have stepped forward on your inside/closest legs and should both be facing the wall to your right with only your left hand holding her right at about waist height slightly in front of your body.)

Replace your weight on your Left foot and turn your shoulders back to face your partner on Count 3. (Take hold of both hands at this stage and while you are facing each other.)

Step side on your Left foot, taking the next 2 counts to transfer your weight onto your Left foot and settle into your Left hip. (Count 4-and-1)

Repeat to the other side by bringing your shoulders open to the wall to your left and stepping through on your Right foot. (Count 2)

Replace your weight onto your left foot and bring your body back to face your partner. (Count 3)

Step side onto your Right foot, transferring the weight on the 4-and-1.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start with your weight on your Left foot.
Rather than stepping back into the normal basic movement, your partner will have indicated (by lowering his left - your right hand at the end of the previous step) that you are going to step forward on your Right foot opening your shoulders to face the wall to your Left on Count 2.

Replace your weight onto your Left foot and bring your shoulders back to face your partner on Count 3.

Step side onto your Right foot, taking the full two counts to transfer your weight onto your Right foot and settle into your Right hip. (Counts 4-and-1)

When led, swing your shoulders open to face the wall to your right as you step forward on your Left foot. (Count 2)

Return to face your partner and with your weight on your Right foot on Count 3.

Move your Left foot to the side and transfer your weight onto it, allowing your weight to settle into your hip. (Counts 4-and-1)Spot Turn

Leaders'/Men's Footwork


Beginning with your weight on your Right foot, bring your Left foot forward and through to the side wall on Count 2. (Exactly the same movement as in your New Yorker.) Make sure that you leave your Right foot connected to the floor for the rest of the turn.

Continue moving your shoulders to the Right, with your weight on your Left foot and face away from your partner,turning all the way to face the wall that was originally to your Left.

On Count 3, step forward onto your Right foot (which has remained where it was throughout this movement)
and swivel the further 90 degrees to face your partner as you bring your Left foot around with no weight.

Step side and transfer your weight (Counts 4-and-1)

Reverse by bringing your Right foot through to face the wall to your Left. (Just like in your New Yorkers.) Leaving your Left foot where it is, continue to turn your shoulders to the Left - away from your partner -
until you face the wall that was originally to your Right. Step forward on Count 3 onto your Left foot
and swivel the last 90 degrees to face your partner again.

Transfer your weight to the Right. (Counts 4-and-1)


Followers'/Lady's Footwork


Start with your weight on your Left foot, bring your Right foot forward and through to the side wall on Count 2. (Exactly the same movement as in your New Yorker.) Make sure that you leave your Left foot connected to the floor for the rest of the turn.

Continue moving your shoulders to the Left, with your weight on your Right foot, and face away from your partner; turning all the way to face the wall that was originally to your Right. All of this turn needs to be competed in one count!

On Count 3, step forward onto your Left foot (which has not moved while you have been turning on the other foot)
and swivel the further 90 degrees to face your partner as you bring your Right foot around with no weight.
Step and then transfer your weight to your Right (Counts 4-and-1)


Reverse by bringing your Left foot through to face the wall to your Right. (Again, just like in your New Yorkers.) Leaving your Right foot where it is, continue to turn your shoulders to the Right - away from your partner - until you face the wall that was originally to your Left. Step forward on Count 3 onto your Right foot
and swivel the last 90 degrees to face your partner again.
Step, and then transfer your weight to the Left (Counts 4-and-1)

Monday, April 06, 2009

Tango - Five Step

The Five Step is actually a slightly misleading title for this step. Done over 5 beats (Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, Slow) both partners only take 4 steps, with the Lady changing into Promenade Position on the fifth beat.

Start in tango hold, but be aware that most of the steps in this figure are Outside Partner.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Stepping forward on your Left foot, lead your partner to move Against Line of Dance as you take your next step side and slightly back with your Right Foot. Your next step, with your Left Foot is back and across; also moving Against Line of Dance. You are travelling clockwise, but still facing the proper direction. And your last step, with your Right Foot, continues in that direction.

All of your steps are Quick's. The last thing that you need to do for the Slow count, is to turn your partner on your hip so that she is facing the same direction as you in Promenade Position.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Stepping back on your Right Foot, you should be given a bit of space by your partner so that you can take your next step with your Left foot, and the following on on your Right Foot, Outside your partner. Both of these steps are taken facing Against Line of Dance and are moving Against Line of Dance as well. Your last step, taken with your Left Foot, is also taken facing in this direction, but begins to bring you back in close with your partner as the next movement relies on a good connection with your partner. (All of these steps have been Quick's.)

On the last Slow count, you will be led to sharply face the other way - into Promenade Position - and to sit slightly into your Left leg. This movement should feel like you are being rotated around on the Man's hip.

Notes for the Leader and the Follower:

- Remember, your knees are bent in tango! AT ALL TIMES!!

- When you are in promenade position your knees should be facing your partner, not the direction you are planning to go. Only your shoulders get to open out a little to show the difference.

- After this step, you can do a Closed Promenade to get you back to a position in which you can do the other steps already listed here. That would mean that the sequence of the timing would be: Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, Slow (five step), Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow (Closed Promenade)

Friday, April 03, 2009

Rumba - Hand to Hand

The Hand to Hand is a step that steps backwards onto your outside foot - opening both you and your partner to one of the walls to your sides - and maintains contact through your inside arm.

To get into this step, you will need to change your hold from the standard latin hold. At the end of your basic movement (or whatever step you are doing before this one) men, slide your Right arm out from behind the lady and along her arm until you hold her hand in kissing hand hold. As a clear indication, open your Left hand to create a flat palm which you can use to give a tiny push to your partner to make her move the right direction.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Instead of stepping forward on your Left foot on the Count of 2, as you did in the Basic Movement, you re now going to step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left.

On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner. (Your Left foot will 'track' underneath you - lightly move over the floor after a step onto the other foot to collect under your body ready to take the next step.)
Step to the side on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.


Reverse by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be holding your partner's Right hand in your Left at waist height.)

Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3.

On Counts 4-1, step to the side onto your Right foot.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be facing the wall that was to your Right when you started the movement.)

Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3 - tracking your foot underneath you.

On Counts 4-1, step to the side onto your Right foot.

Step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left - on Count 2.

On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner.

Step to the side on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- make sure you are holding the inside hand and stepping back with your outside foot when doing this step. Don't forget that counts 4-1 need to be filled with weight transfer and are not just 'dead' counts!

- Put Your Heels DOWN!!! Especially when stepping backwards, make sure you completely transfer the weight onto that foot and simply leave the other foot extended out in front of you ready to take the weight back when you move forward. Putting your heels down will also facilitate your latin hip movement.