Every week, you’ll find on our blog class notes and a summary video from our Wednesday Improver / Intermediate group class, our Thursday beginner group class and our weekend milonga group classes.

These video and notes are meant to help our students remember what they’ve done in class.

Theme: Step size


This week, we worked on how leaders can make followers take a bigger step or a smaller step than they do, using two different techniques: changes of axis or dissociation. These techniques usually create circular figures.

Video



 

Step 1: Little turn in two steps

Leaders

  • As you step to the side, you’ll need to dissociate to the right to send the follower a little further and make her take a step bigger than yours.
  • When crossing to the back, please make sure your torso doesn’t move not to send unwanted signals to the follower: you want her to stay still as you get ready. When putting the foot on the floor, keep the heel up at first: this is the preparation stage of the step.
  • When you are ready to make the follower take her first step around you, use your ankle to gradually transfer your axis to your left, hence creating space for her.
  • To lead her second step, gently lift on her back and keep the dissociation active all the way.

Followers

  • When you feel that the leader is creating space for you, first extend the left leg straight, then push with the right leg to make a big step. You are aiming to step under the leader, in between his feet. You need to engage both legs to be able to take that first step: the left leg should extend fully and the right leg should push. WHen transfering your weight, you can bend the left leg. Try and have only one leg bent at a time, either the right leg to push or the left leg to “land”. Having them both bent at the same time is not very graceful! 🙂
  • Before the second step, make sure you pass by neutral and pivot with your feet together.

 

Step 2: Cortado-compatible 180 degree turn

Leaders

  • The rebound can be either on the half beat with a small transfer of axis or on the beat with full transfer of axis. If leading the full rebound, make sure you transfer your weight fully and end the rebound with your axis aligned with the edge of your chest. Don’t lean your torso forward, this will make the follower bend backwards. The lead for the full rebound is like a tear, lift at the beginning and bend your knees to go down when you transfer your weight forward.
  • To lead the follower around you, use your dissocation to make her take two large steps around you. Before changing your own weight, make sure your torso is already facing the other side. If you step too soon, the follower will step too and thus won’t be completing the 180 degree turn.
  • This is a really great step to use in conjunction with cortados, when dancing on rhythmical songs and when you are stuck on the dancefloor.

Followers

  • Don’t anticipate the size and speed of the rebound, simply follow the leader’s torso and travel as much as they do.
  • Make sure you collect your feet before pivoting to keep the sequence elegant and to remain in your axis.

 

Step 3: Pivoting sequence

Leaders

  • This sequence uses the same technique as the first step to lead the follower around you.
  • The sequence is repeated twice, once with each leg.

Followers

  • Use the same technique as the first step to go around the leader.
  • Before each pivot, make sure you collect your feet.

See you soon on the dancefloor,

Nati y Bruno