DANce StepsNotes from Dan

Download Dan Calloway’s Class Notes-GU-20140409

Gold Paso

1. Traveling Spins in CPP                       10 Counts
2. Promenade Close and Chasse to R     4 Counts
3. Chasse Cape

12345; 678&1; 234&5; 678&1; 2345 (678)

1. Syncopated Chasse to R                     12&34
2. Syncopated Separation

Fleckerls                                                                      Bars

1. Overturned Reverse Turn to Center               2-7
2. Reverse Fleckerl                                              8-7
3. Contra Check                                                  8
4. Natural Fleckerl                                              1-8
5. Natural Turn                                                   1-7

Each Fleckerl begins with a “Spot Volta” for the leader and a “Natural Top” for the follower.

Foxtrot

Open Impetus (SQQ) to Natural Weave (“hotdog and bun”)            (SQQ QQQQ) or Weave from PP (SQQ QQQQ)

Beginner Waltz: Review Sides 1 and 2 of bronze routine

1. There are three ways to turn to PP: Whisk, Back Whisk and Outside Change
2. The Follower’s head is “45/45:” That is, 45 degrees to L and angled upward 45 degrees. Likewise in PP, except that it is 45 degrees to the R.
3. Pinocchio Nose: The Follower’s head travels in an arc, looking up and over the Leader’s head, as it transitions to and from PP.

Foxtrot: Add Natural Weave (SQQ QQQQ) Precede and follow with the Three Step.

Tango: Use Groups 4 to turn corners by dancing the Rock Turn Outside Partner without turning the rock.

Samba: Review the choreography with emphasis on:

1. Rhythm. Keep the knees and ankles flexing and near-straightening rhythmically. Tic!
2. Keep tone in the frame, even in Shadow Position. Physically oppose your partner at all times.

Rumba: Oppose your partner at all times to maximize the use of the connection.

Silver Quickstep: Review silver routine

Three Categories of Choreography

1. Forward turning to the R
2. Forward turning to the L
3. Backward turning to the R
4. Backward turning to the L

The smallest step in ballroom dancing is category 3.

Be careful to take a bigger step backward on the step after a Reverse Pivot or the Natural Pivot (such as the Follower’s Running Right Turn.

Silver Tango routine completed.

All Line Figures move sideways. The three consecutive line figures in the Back Open Promenade and Back Corte vary in size: Shapes to the right are always smaller. The biggest line figure is the Drag on step one of the Back Corte.

Jive

After the Windmill, add Spanish Arms (with or without spin ending), Rolling Off the Arm (with or without spin ending) and Miami Special.

Bronze Waltz: Review Natural Spin Turn

Quickstep and Tango: Practice choosing choreography on the move. For the Quickstep, alternate the two methods of turning corners: the Natural Spin Turn and the Tipple Chasse to the R.

Standard Dance Position

1. Stretch upward with the body, neck and head.
2. Keep the knees slightly flexed forward and to the right under your partner, not under yourself. Your partner’s knees are under you. This knee position allows the head to stay leftward out of your partner’s space. Keep Your Head On Your Own Side. Always Oppose Each Other.
3. Opposing partner also means keep tone in your arms. It is the ideal means of nonverbal communication.
4. Move: Take big steps. If your partner is in the way, step on them (gently). Let them know you need more space to step.

Rumba/Cha Cha

Review the three figure group starting in Open Position. Practice makes for positive dancing. Don’t dance wimpy. Dance like it’s a job interview.

Jive

1. Jive Walks: 1,2 3a4 3a4 SS QQQQ
2. Change of Places R to L
3. Change of Places L to R
4. Link
   Restart.

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