4/27 Foxtrot with Slavi (Cecile)

Connect with left arm on the left and right arm straight forward. Then always keep the right arm forward: This way the shoulder line won't break (it breaks if you let the right arm come to the right and back instead of keeping it forward).

This should also help a better connection right-side to right-side.

Don't anticipate the turns (especially right turn going forward and left turn going back, but valid for any turn). This should help the balance as well and the connection.

Don't throw the legs back (for example in Feather step)., but first go down deeper into the leg and then the extension of the leg backward should come from moving the weight of the couple together. Better connection and feeling of moving the weight together. Need to go into the standing leg more and follow in an active way.

2/2 Slavi Lesson Foxtrot

General concept: When going back, use butt to create power, really use hip joints and knees and stick butt out (Maja: the lady moves the man around). On each step, use one cheek to create power, then other cheek etc.

First feather: On 2, take right hip way up and back.

On Feather Finish: Same thing, and stay there but provide right away the power to go back.

On Three Step, there is a release where the hips are allowed to move forward and there is a shape, then go immediately back with butt.

On Curved Feather and Outside Spin: Keep shoulders level and above the hips and don't bend to the left. There is more turn in the shoulders on the curved feather. Then on Outside Spin just release the power accumulated and go up with hips forward and shape. Do not turn, let the man turn.

On the Ronde: Do the Ronde and put right foot back, but do not untwist too early

In the reverse turn before Back Check: Go back with left foot, put man in neutral position, then continue to rotate and turn the head to the right (don't turn too late). Then on the Check release the hips forward. Immediately go back with the hips for the Three Fallaways.

Thomas: Should trust me and not overpower me otherwise I won't be able to create the power. On the other hand if I don't create enough power he is likely to take over so don't let him do that!

11/25 Lesson with Slavi: Using the weight

Put the entire weight over the supporting foot. Use the floor. The shaping etc should all come from the feet, foot pressure. For example:

- Foxtrot basics: Roll the feet, feel the floor

- Waltz: Stretch left on the natural turn, it has to originate from the feet. Then on the spin turn, pivots: Bring weight entirely over the right foot when stepping on the right foot. Same just before the turning lock. After the turning lock, continue to go before turning the head to promenade

- Foxtrot: Outside spin and ronde: Also don't forget to bring the weight over the right foot when stepping on the right foot. Don't collapse the left side.

Slavi lesson - Nov 12

(W,F,VW,Q) Feel the connection in the hips: No tucked in, butt not sticked out, just straight and the front is picked up.

In the Waltz natural turn, don't lose the shape completely on the first step, keep the connection in the hips, don't stick the butt out too much. There are certain steps where the butt sticks out more (like feather step in foxtrot)

Stretch both sides: To the left but ALSO to the RIGHT. The weight must be balanced over the standing leg, not shifted too much to the left. This will lower the right shoulder and create a better connection in the right hand.

Tango: Frame: Stretch from the body (left AND right).

In the fallaway: Lady "doesn't move", stays with the man. Lady is in the inside of the left turn: smaller step and get out of the man's way. Think stretching left too.

Before the right lunge: Man closes the lady before stepping with the left foot. Then transfer the weight to the right foot and ONLY AFTER THAT do the right lunge.

Spanish drag: Man just takes his weight to the left. Then stays to the left while going to promenade.

Foxtrot:

Reverse turn: Lady turns left early, getting out of the man way. Lady is in the inside of the turn, smaller step.

Chasse: Must think of pushing from the standing leg to the SIDE, not up (otherwise it's jumpy).

To move forward, lady uses body weight, not feet. The weight must go towards the man, not around. Don't take the head weight to the left of the man. Stay in position and take the body weight towards the man (as if we don't know what will happen next). Example: Waltz pivots, Viennese Natural turn.

11/03/09 Slavi lesson

Waltz (and other dances)

Chasse on 2nd way, take two steps forward (left [prev step]->right->left strongly forward still, side ways-ish) then stay/project forward as you go backwards.

Don't overturn step before contracheck.

Usage of head...only go where the body stretches. Apply e.g. on natural turn.

Foxtrot

Same principle, but note especially on
* feather finish (body should be over left leg, before too back weighted/stretching leg out), and 3 step, just hip forward, and use the lower body to create the look of the stretch.



----
other stuff realized at practice
* viennese fleckrels use weight
* tango rock spin turn entrace rotate left side strongly

March 26, 09 Slavi Lesson & Grovers Workshop

Foxtrot

Grovers

Feather
prep before (like what slavi said about waltz), i.e. get foot ready to step on 4&
usage of body weight for movement,

Weight should be entirely on right at the end
Only right foot should be outside partner--shouldn't see my belt


Reverse Turn
Just walk
remember the shape (right side up after)

Feather finish
toe flat - toe, let lady go first (similar to slavi lesson)
again finish on entirely right foot, press down and let the weight be on it

-----
slavi lesson

stay up more on the chasse to the right ending, keep moving don't drop

the "almost" check stay down more, slow, q - q sloooow, q q

cecile has a new head thing for throwaway oversway

Slavi lesson 2/16/09

Quickstep

tipple chasses
so cecile just would use body to shape more instead of head

on last wall
delay (for girl's head) before going into pepper pot
lean left strongly, actually pass the girl more on the pepper pot
pepperpot should be progressive, no stop/hopping

quick open reverse -- still shape left/lean left strongly

use legs to lift the girl on the continuous twists ending


Foxtrot
the continuous "right lunge" section let the girl lead
*hold* on the exit keep back straight