Amalgamations: 4-Beat Repeatable sequence. He learns to lean back (Leverage) on "3 and do a backward Strike Adrian by Very Fine. Break, Underarm Turn, Turning Basic, Basic Tuck with Free Spin. Re-enforces both partners moving in the same direction from a closed WebIn this video, we're going to show you 15 essential west coast swing basic patterns you need to learn to start West Coast Swing. That's basic whip timing. wall. Adrian dance shoes by very fine are the perfect choice for west coast swing dancing. The goal of this drill is to be comfortable dancing on the wrong foot at any point in a pattern. A slight degree of turnout adds stability and avoids the ugly lines created by toed-in or pigeon-toed feet. Yet remembering to keep your feet turned out during fancy footwork is hard. Its ok to have a slightly wider base between the feet on the leader side of the dance; the feet dont have to literally brush past each other. First foot position is often taught in many beginner patterns. Instead of using the sending foot to project the center, most people reach with their receiving foot and pull themselves onto that leg. This is where you would be if you ended the pattern on the wrong foot. Pattern 11: West You will need to control your weight transfer through every part of your foot. This drill will start developing an awareness of your sending foot so that you can project your center through space, rather than dragging it along for the ride. Pattern 9:Slingshot Teaches him to The first eight-count basic pattern. The whip is an evolution of the Lindy Hop basic, but with a smoother and more grounded west coast swing interpretation. Sent 2X per month to your inbox for FREE! The feet maintain the same degree of relative turnout as in first foot position, but the heels are separated along a horizontal axis. You'll get the list + links to the songs on YouTube, Enter your email - I'll send you the video, Shared withby west coast swing online, Click the button & I'll Explain Personally, Musicality: Footwork to Emphasize Doubles or Triples. Underarm with Hand Change drive back on 2. on her Back Step. Her styling here is to be on the balls of both feet, with both knees bent and pointing to her LEFT. The use of the references to Skippy Blair to justify the statements in this section are curious. WebDips (6 count) Goofy Hand Free Spin Dip. Teaches Forward Leverage as she locks her CPB into her own left arm On the other extreme, having the feet turned out all the way looks unnatural and doesnt fit well with the WCS aesthetic. Adding Extra Walks. Remember, the next footsteps are quicker because they correspond with the triple-step portion. Adding Extra Walks. This solidity gives definition and purpose to your leg lines. In the cross foot position, the foot to be weighted crosses in front of the other leg before receiving weight. The easiest way to train steps that stay under the body is to focus on keeping your thighs together. When the center is pulled by the receiving leg, the centers movement is less consistent, less fluid, and less controlled. left elbow straight back on count "2". In this article we will cover 5 footwork drills to improve your west coast swing. In this exercise, were going to work through a straight leg on steps in place. Both partners will frequently use second position when hitting a pose and presenting towards the audience. Then on count 2, push off your right. Notice the position of the foot as it finally comes off the ground. WebThe First 22 Patterns of West Coast Swing! If both feet remain on separate tracks, the resulting movement will waddle between the two trackswhich is neither pretty nor efficient. It will be challenging, especially if you arent very conscious of your step size or if you are just learning to control your center. WebLEVEL PATTERN DATE NOTES Beg/Int Cut off right side pass Beg/Int Around the world Beg/Int Styling Anchor Step Variations Beg/Int Tuck Turn with Two Hands Beg/Int Simple reverse whip variations Beg/Int Same Side Whip Beg/Int Whip from Closed Position Beg/Int Reverse Whip with Inside and Outside Turns Beg/Int Whip with Outside Turn Beg/Int For instance, the 2 through 3& of the leaders left side pass and the 3& of the followers push break are described as together steps. You can keep your thighs together in two ways: you can press your legs into each other, or you can think of pulling your leg muscles up into the hip, which will in turn bring your thighs closer together. You should feel the ankle acting to point the foot as you get closer to the toe and controlling the foots action as you bring the rear part of the foot back into contact with the floor. WebThe basic footwork for a whip extends the six-count pattern by inserting a pair of walking steps between the triple steps. Roll through your feet. Rollout To fix your footwork, simply add an extra weight transfer before beginning your next pattern. WebDips (6 count) Goofy Hand Free Spin Dip. Roll through your feet. This is probably the opposite of how you were taught to dance, so lets explain what you should be thinking. -or hook his right foot - on 5 & a side 6. Elements of Musicality. Pay special attention to any motions that require unusual foot positions or body rotations (e.g., stepping across on the 4 of a whip for leaders, stepping out on the 4 of a left side tuck for followers). On the & count immediately before the 1, take a step in third foot position to correct your footwork. The whip is walk, walk, triple, walk, walk, triple. The point of the drill is to learn how to keep your thighs in contact throughout the movement. The first eight-count basic pattern. ), (Point your toes towards the arrows with your heels together somewhere between 30 & 40 degrees). This is a drill, so over exaggerate the motion in order to develop the peeling action. Because WCS is a leverage-based dance, however, more advanced dancers will tend to use a subtle third foot position instead of first in order to create a front and back foot while maintaining the leverage/compression dimension of the dance. This dance-related article is a stub. illustration on DVD. 1. However, if we dont cover a couple basics first it will all be for naught. On the & of 6, step in third foot position with the leaders right/followers left. She steps). As of 1994, the Coaster Step was still used in "Ballroom Swing", and is an identifying feature of that dance.[2]. During the last two beats of a rhythm pattern, the follower rotated 90 to be perpendicular to the leader, then stepped back, together, and forward in triple-rhythm (three weight changes in two beats of music), then rotated back to face the leader and to be ready to step forward as the leader led the follower in to begin the next pattern. Introduction to Rubber Band Effect" for Ladies on the Then push off your left foot for count 2. 2 sets of Triple-Rhythm Breaks (8-Beats). Triple Rhythm Breaks through 8. West Coast Swing cheat-sheet for basic technique 1. Because west coast swing encourages footwork variations, inevitably you will end up on the wrong foot. Rolling through your feet in west coast swing is one of the essential techniques that creates the smooth movement! Follow's Foot Fudge ("And 1") Follow's Initiatives. If we just did that in place, I go left, she goes right, walk, walk, triple step, walk, walk, triple step. This foot is now the receiving foot. Slingshot Throw-out Its an easy move to 'groove' with your west coast swing. Dance Terminology Notebook. Hammerlock Whip to Right Side Groove with Free Spin Exit. 1994. Grab one that looks fun and add it to your dancing! She steps straight forward on "2" while looking over right shoulder Your goal is to have some tone in the leg. Allows the Leader to extend a pattern by repeating counts 5&a6 Swing Dance Council, the Golden State Dance Teachers Association and Dance Pattern 12: no ISBN or other ID, http://www.swingdance.com/whoswho/honors/csdhf.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coaster_Step&oldid=1109990392, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 12 September 2022, at 23:47. Adrian dance shoes by very fine are the perfect choice for west coast swing dancing. pages 140-145 in 1971 edition. The only rule for this exercise is that the feet have to keep the same degree of turnout relative to each other. Pattern 8: In a whip, the follower is led past the leader and then redirected back towards the end of slot over 8 beats of music. As the heel makes contact with the ground, straighten the leg. SEQUENCE #1 Pattern 1: 4-Beat Triple Rhythm Break & Anchor Triples Teaches Centering over the unit foot. In a whip, the follower is led past the leader and then redirected back towards the end of slot over 8 beats of music. WebKeeping your foot mostly on the ground, you start moving your foot backward, and then drag it in a gentle curve to its new position. The feet should brush past each other on every step. Dance your basics and be aware of the size of your steps. This is a drill, so over exaggerate the motion in order to develop the peeling action. WebLEVEL PATTERN DATE NOTES Beg/Int Cut off right side pass Beg/Int Around the world Beg/Int Styling Anchor Step Variations Beg/Int Tuck Turn with Two Hands Beg/Int Simple reverse whip variations Beg/Int Same Side Whip Beg/Int Whip from Closed Position Beg/Int Reverse Whip with Inside and Outside Turns Beg/Int Whip with Outside Turn Beg/Int It is the basic anchor position because it encourages the dancer to keep their weight away from their partner, and it is often used in the middle of patterns instead of a first position in order to sustain the away connection. They are handcrafted with a genuine leather exterior and have superior arch support for stability, comfort, and foot health. count 1 and a longer Back on count 2. Enter your email - I''ll send you the video! drive on 4. By articulating the foot as it comes off the floor, you can ensure that your foot is in a good position to roll back onto the floor when you take your next step. Most dancers who are not trained professionals end up in positions that dont look intentional. WebKeeping your foot mostly on the ground, you start moving your foot backward, and then drag it in a gentle curve to its new position. Pattern 7: The West Coast Swing Whip, which is our first 8-count timing in West Coast Swing. When dancing with a Lindy dancer using this form of the Coaster Step, the connection between leader and follower was broken on the last beat of the pattern as the follower stepped forward and the Lindy leader remained in place. Adrian dance shoes by very fine are the perfect choice for west coast swing dancing. The footwork is therefore "step step tri-ple-step step step tri-ple-step." If youre looking to improve your basic footwork for west coast swing, or improve your styling, there are many things to consider. Adrian by Very Fine. Skippy Blair. As you practice this exercise, focus on working all the way to a straight leg before releasing the heel of the other foot. They are handcrafted with a genuine leather exterior and have superior arch support for stability, comfort, and foot health. Notice the position of the foot as it finally comes off the ground. Once you can do that, you can start to work on what the receiving foot does in order to control the energy created by the sending foot. This is written from my perspective, and is in short-hand. (He rotates on 4). This position is used by the leader when crossing the slot (as on count 4 of a whip), but is less common on the followers side since she remains in the slot for most of the dance. You want to do more of the latterpulling your leg muscles up will keep your legs in a nice line, while just pushing the thighs together can result in an ugly knee position if your feet remain wide. The loop will limit your step size, forcing you to be keep your movements small. Because of this forward energy, hooks are often used to flare the free leg out for a sweep or ronde. Grooving in Swingout Position. Underarm Turn. Teaches him "Connection" as he drives his CPB a short Forward on Keep your feet turned out is as close to an absolute rule as WCS has. For west coast, a good general rule is that the feet should be turned out somewhere between 20 and 80 degrees. As a result, leaders are allowed to cheat slightly when single tracking. For instance, the 2 through 3& of the leaders left side pass and the 3& of the followers push break are described as together steps. Lock Whip - Introduction to 8-Beat Patterns The Drill: Put your feet third foot position, with your weight on the leaders left foot or followers right foot. and Its ok! Sent 2X per month to your inbox for FREE! For the purposes of this exercise, were not going to focus on the timing of the weight transfer; were just going to work on completing the leg action with each step. When they hit a position, every part of their body feels like it snaps into place. When the leg is straight, make sure that all your weight is on the receiving side. Teaches Couple Centering (flashlight technique) to both partners. Teaches both partners how to do an anchor. (Crucial to learning a good Whip. This article covers 5 awesome drills every west coast swing dancer should try if they are serious about improving their footwork! This is where you would be if you ended the pattern on the wrong foot. Whip, 1 set of Triple-Rhythm Breaks (4 Beats) . Once you learn this skill, youll find that you have much better control not just through your small steps, but also when you intentionally decide to move further for styling. Teaches the importance of Rolling Count. For 3&4, think push left-and-left, and for the anchor think of pushing off right-and-right. If we just did that in place, I go left, she goes right, walk, walk, triple step, walk, walk, triple step. >. There should be no weight on a foot when the heel releases from the floor. If youre looking to improve your basic footwork for west coast swing, or improve your styling, there are many things to consider. In the 1950s, West Coast Swing was popularized by Skippy Blair, who within time introduced the Anchor Step for use during the last two beats of each rhythm pattern for both leaders and followers. 1971 & 1975. Teaches how to "Anchor" on counts "&a5&a6 . 4). Altera Publishing. Switch weight and repeat the process with the other foot. Reverse the process to roll down through the foot: toe is in contact with the ground, then the ball, then the midsection and finally the heel. Turning Basic >. WebLEVEL PATTERN DATE NOTES Beg/Int Cut off right side pass Beg/Int Around the world Beg/Int Styling Anchor Step Variations Beg/Int Tuck Turn with Two Hands Beg/Int Simple reverse whip variations Beg/Int Same Side Whip Beg/Int Whip from Closed Position Beg/Int Reverse Whip with Inside and Outside Turns Beg/Int Whip with Outside Turn Beg/Int WebThe basic footwork for a whip extends the six-count pattern by inserting a pair of walking steps between the triple steps. Amalgamation:Push As you continue to move your feet, you will discover when you need to rotate your standing leg in order to keep the same degree of turnout. Enter your email - I'll send you the video, Shared withby west coast swing online, Click the button & I'll Explain Personally, Download our video Rolling Through Your Feet. The movement of your foot should look similar to this: this is when you start to get out of your partners way. twosets of Triple-Rhythm Breaks (8-Beats). Many dancers struggle with rolling through the feet because their steps are flat footed, and so there is not enough foot articulation to be able to roll through. If your left foot rotates out, your right foot needs to turn the same amount in the same direction. Continuous Whip The Drill: Stand with your feet next to each other in a turned out first position, and put your weight entirely on one foot. Pattern 17: The footwork is therefore "step step tri-ple-step step step tri-ple-step." Keeping the feet underneath the body makes it easier to transfer weight quickly, it keeps them from wobbling between steps, and it produces much better leg lines. Like all foot positions, this position can have varying degrees of turnout because everyone is different. As the knee of the unweighted leg bends, think of the heel coming off the ground, then the midsection of the foot, then the ball, and finally the toes. Pattern 16: On the & of 6, step in third foot position with the leaders right/followers left. Many dancers struggle with rolling through the feet because their steps are flat footed, and so there is not enough foot articulation to be able to roll through. as forward foot) and teaches Arm and Hand connection technique for Single tracking refers to the relative placement of the feet while progressing down the slot. WebKeeping your foot mostly on the ground, you start moving your foot backward, and then drag it in a gentle curve to its new position. But, the angle of the feet should not change. Role-Reversed Sugar Push. Can be done with Hand-Change or finish in Slingshot Position to Whip - "8-Beat" pattern Footwork Styling Basics. Remember, the next footsteps are quicker because they correspond with the triple-step portion. As the knee of the unweighted leg bends, think of the heel coming off the ground, then the midsection of the foot, then the ball, and finally the toes. By training yourself to keep energy in your leg, you are making yourself feel and look more solid. Right Side Pass - Underarm Turn - Turning Basic - Slingshot In this article we will cover 5 footwork drills to improve your west coast swing. WebTechnically, Skippy Blair defined the anchor step as keeping the center-point-of-balance (solar plexus) behind the heel of the forward foot throughout the last two beats of each West Coast Swing pattern, providing wide latitude for dancers to express themselves. Technically, Skippy Blair defined the anchor step as keeping the center-point-of-balance (solar plexus) behind the heel of the forward foot throughout the last two beats of each West Coast Swing pattern, providing wide latitude for dancers to express themselves. This is count 6. The footwork is therefore "step step tri-ple-step step step tri-ple-step." as many times as needed. Do this drill until pushing onto the next foot becomes comfortable. Followers also use the cross on the first triple of their side passes in order to continue traveling down the slot. Whip. This position is unique in that the heel of the back foot remains off the ground; only the toe base touches the floor. his elbow) to allow her to go under her own right hand. WebIn this West Coast Swing patterns video, Anthony and Rose Lewis of Country Dance X teach you a new way to look at the west coast swing basic steps, the side passes. If youre doing it right, you should feel like your feet have to stay close together. This drill will help you correct your footwork in time for the next pattern. If youre looking to improve your basic footwork for west coast swing, or improve your styling, there are many things to consider. Follow's Foot Fudge ("And 1") Follow's Initiatives. The Bronze Level syllabus for Western Swing included in the Dance Book written in the 1950s by Arthur Murray Dance Studios National Director, [5] and Los Angeles basin resident, Laur Haile, defined a "Coaster Step" as cross forward place, or back together side, or back forward back. Pattern 19: As you dance, focus on maintaining your body flight throughout the movement. WebIn this video, we're going to show you 15 essential west coast swing basic patterns you need to learn to start West Coast Swing. Arthur Murray mistakenly codified the Lindy coaster step into its "Western Swing" curriculum as having the follower simply continue to face the leader and step back, together, and forward toward the leader during the last two beats of a pattern. Teaches her the value of flexibility by rotating the upper-body to Watch some videos of great dancers, and youll notice that the all seem to project through space. When the knee is straight, the foot should be fully weighted and the other foot should have no weight so the heel can release. Fifth foot position is not used often in WCS except for variations. 3&a before 4. Reverse the process to roll down through the foot: toe is in contact with the ground, then the ball, then the midsection and finally the heel. The #1 Key toMusicality in West Coast Swing. Pattern 20: Click plane for Lowest The feet can be in any positionleft in front, right hooked behind, right to the side, whatever. Elements of Musicality. Because your foot is pointed, the heel is further off the ground than the toes and ball of the foot. The basic footwork for a whip extends the six-count pattern by inserting a pair of walking steps between the triple steps. Follow's Foot Fudge ("And 1") Follow's Initiatives. If you are doing a six count pattern, you will thus step 6 (on your wrong anchor footleaders left and followers right), the & of 6 on your correct anchor foot, and then your normal 1 immediately on the next beat. Teaches her to swivel on the &a. Triple Rhythm Breaks through 8 . This frees up the leaders left/followers right for a normal 1. Elements of Musicality. action on "3" and sends her into a free spin on count "4". Roll through the receiving foot, and as your heel makes contact with the floor, continue straightening your receiving leg until the knee is straight. If you know how to finish the pattern off from the wrong foot, it becomes much easier to confidently insert your own footwork variations. Great dancers are different. For west coast, a good general rule is that the feet should be turned out somewhere between 20 and 80 degrees. Amalgamation:Lock In fifth, the toe of the back foot is almost touching the heel of the forward foot. When the free foot makes contact with the floor on the way down, there should still be no weight on it. drive back on 2. WebLearn and practice the 5 Basic patterns/figures/moves of West Coast Swing with Lee Easton & Fabienne Henshall. around her on 5-6. Teaches her the responsibility of her away leverage West Coast Swing cheat-sheet for basic technique 1. Pattern 13: Now, were inserting an extra weight transfer into that beat, so you dont stay on 6 as long and you have less time before you step your 1. To help you, have your partner try to push your free leg with their leg. is available with live The trick is to get comfortable with this sequence, because the weight transfers happen quickly when youre actually dancing. If you compare a new dancer to an experienced dancer, one of the first visual differences you will see is that the new dancer looks like he or she is marching, while the experienced dancer can glide across the floor. As you dance, think about the sending foot rather than the receiving foot. His right hand stops the All good WCS dancers do these and you should too. Footwork Footwork that Matches the Music January 1, 2020 by West Coast Swing Online Struggling with creating footwork that matches the music? As you are peeling each foot off the floor, pay attention to how the ankle helps articulate the foot. If you are struggling, pay attention to what part of your foot has your weight at every moment. What has changed is which foot you are concentrating on. 4th foot position (No "run-run-run"). WebThe basic footwork for a whip extends the six-count pattern by inserting a pair of walking steps between the triple steps. Swing! Rotating, Reverse the process to roll down through the foot: toe is in contact with the ground, then the ball, then the midsection and finally the heel. You dont want to be split weight at all. The hook foot position places the weighted foot behind the other leg. I want to talk about 4 important footwork concepts. Web130 Share 12K views 5 years ago Looking for an easy west coast swing pattern. When pros move, their legs almost never get away from their body. If your thighs remain in contact during a spin, you physically cant end up in an ugly, wide-legged cowboy pose. Web130 Share 12K views 5 years ago Looking for an easy west coast swing pattern. Reset; when you are ready to go again, listen for the next upbeat and repeat. As a result, this makes the cross foot position extremely common on anchor variations. Her written description of the step(s) does not include any swiveling. Skippy Blair. The #1 Key toMusicality in West Coast Swing. WebLearn and practice the 5 Basic patterns/figures/moves of West Coast Swing with Lee Easton & Fabienne Henshall. In WCS, the dancers appear to glide across the floor; there is no bounce in the upper body. First foot position is often taught in many beginner patterns. phrase. by rotating upper body only without turning himself to another Teaches her to swivel on the &a. However, the energy of the hook movement is forward rather than backwards; the hooked foot is pushing the free leg forward. WebThe First 22 Patterns of West Coast Swing! 195?. Teaches her to swivel on the &a. Weight is transferred from front to back on the first weight change, begins to transfer back to the forward foot but is "checked" on the second weight change, and is transferred back to the rear foot on the third weight change. Stay tuned for that drill! Starter Step (on 5 6 7 8 of the intro or last phrase of music) - The Drill:Without a partner, practice dancing your basics entirely on the wrong foot. They can also struggle dancing to faster music because there simply isnt enough time to cover the distance. WebTechnically, Skippy Blair defined the anchor step as keeping the center-point-of-balance (solar plexus) behind the heel of the forward foot throughout the last two beats of each West Coast Swing pattern, providing wide latitude for dancers to express themselves. (In other words, your feet should form a maximum of half a right angle. Pivotson In one photo, just put your leg in position. For this drill, Ill assume that you are tapping to the side in order to accent a minor hit, but you can extend this drill into anything that has a leg line: sinking into a lunge for a break, doing a ronde, or even flaring your leg out of a trick. While your partner is trying to move your leg, you should be engaging your thigh muscles and pressing into the floor in order to keep your leg from moving. On the & of 6, step in third foot position with the leaders right/followers left. Teaches himto control her upper body by placing his Its an easy move to 'groove' with your west coast swing. Role-Reversed Sugar Push. Followers use fourth foot position at the beginning of every pattern, but the leaders probably use fourth position on push breaks and when setting the post on beat 4 or 6.
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