Monday, June 22, 2009

Jive - Link and Whip

Getting a little more advanced with the Jive, is the Link and Whip. In my mind, this step is great for adding a bit of momentum into your dancing. It requires both partners to work together in close proximity and can provide a nice little adrenaline rush when done quickly!

Starting from open, usually one hand, hold, this step takes you slightly away from your partner at the beginning in order to bring yourselves close and around in a circle.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

You start with your Rock step going back on your Left foot. You then take a small chasse, practically on the spot but leading your partner to come towards you and slightly to your Right side.

Then cross your Right foot behind your left foot, turning your body as much as possible at this time as well. Step to the side with your Left foot continuing the turn and hopefully getting about 3/4 of the way around by this point. Then face the direction you started as you do your chasse to the Right: Right foot side, Left foot together, Right foot side.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

The diagram for this step looks scary ladies, but it is actually a lot easier than it sounds. Do your Rock step first, stepping back on your Right foot and replacing the weight to your Left.

Then take a chasse slightly forward towards the right side of your partner; Right foot forward, Left foot together, Right foot forward. during this chasse you should start to turn to the right as if you are walking in a circle around your partner. You then have two walks, Left, Right, around your partner to complete as much of the turn as possible. And chasse to the Left (Left foot side, Right foot together, Left foot side) to complete the turn if necessary and come back directly in front of your partner.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- You need to work together to get around the turn. If you fight each other or do not use each other's momentum, you will not get around.

- Keep your upper body in closed hold during the turn and do not allow the lady to end up under the man's armpit! (Take hold as you come towards each other in the first chasse.)

- Ladies, you are on the outside of the circle, men, you are on the inside.... the step will not work if the men try to move too much or if the ladies stay on the same spot!

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