Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Quickstep - Progressive Chasse

This is essentially the step that is the second half of your basic, but I thought it deserved a look at of its own.

Begun when the leader is stepping backwards, it can be used to travel or kept on the spot depending on what is needed. The rhythm is Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start by stepping back on your Right foot when you are backing diagonally to the centre of the room. Next you step side on your Left foot, together with your Right and then side and slightly forward onto your Left. The final step is taken forwards - having come back to facing diagonal wall (which is where we generally start all our ballroom steps).

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Step forward on your Left foot and then side onto your Right. Close your Left foot to your Right and then take a step back and slightly to the side onto your Right foot. Finish the step with a step backwards on your Left foot.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Samba - Voltas

Voltas are one of those steps that will either fall in easily or that you will have to think about a bit before they work - sort of like skipping. The basic movement is the same for either partner and can be done in a variety of different ways choreographically. To begin with, we will just look at the footwork.

Step side onto your side on your Left foot, stretching your knees. (Count "and")
Voltas move because of one foot crossing in front of the other. In this case we are going to say it will be the Right foot. When crossed, your knees should be bent and "inside" one another - the back of your Right knee in contact with the front of your Left. (Count 1 - or any other number count)

Repeat at will until you decide to change direction/hear a change in the music.