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.