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Spectacular Double Split Move (pause at 1:28), and an amazing
One-Hand-Over-Head Lift: Gregory Day & Tommye Giacchino

Dr Matt's Dance Class — Foxtrot Week Five

Here are the notes for each week's Foxtrot Lessons:
1    2     3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    11    12    pics

Hello Everyone:

This week we introduced the technique of "rise and fall." We applied this technique in three different steps:

          1)    Zig Zag
          2)   Chasse in Promenade
          3)   Impetus Turn

Here's an Italian couple, Mirko and Alessia, dancing a Foxtrot to Barry Manilow music, "Mandy." Notice the "rise and fall" and the upper body "sway." I also like Marcus & Karen Hilton's demonstration of basic International Foxtrot, but I hate the cheesy music and the annoying "voice over" (half way into the video) where Marcus groans . . . "Sloooooooooow, quick, quick, Slooooooooooow, quick quick" over and over in the back ground. Still, what you "see" is an outstanding example of rise & fall, upper body sway, and impeccable footwork.

In the Hilton video, at .22 you will see an "Open Telemark" that is almost a mirror image opposite of the "Open Impetus" we've been learning in class—instead of the Guy doing a "heel turn," in the Telemark the Girl does one while the Guy steps around her.

The "heel turn" creates a smaller turning radius that accommodates a partner's ability to get around. Both the "Open Telemark," and the "Open Impetus" are termed "open" because they both open to Promenade from Closed Position, at the end of the turn.

From .35 to .40 you will see very distinct upper body sway. Just like the mast of a ship will sway up and down as the ship responds to the waves of the sea, so also does the "Top Line/Frame" of a Couple remain intact and sways as a single unit. At .41 Marcus does a "heel turn" as part of a regular Impetus Turn—which means the couple stays in Closed Position.

Many Step have "heel turns" in them, to include a Step we may eventually learn—it's called the "Double Reverse Spin." It's a fabulous step and very fun to do! Here's an example of a couple doing this Step in the Tango. Note the "heel turn" by the Girl at .31 as the Guy steps around her. Again, the heel turn creates a tighter inner turning radius which accommodates the partner who has to travel farther in the outer turning radius.

Just before the Double Reverse Spin, the couple does a "Fall Away" Step (at .30)—a very nice choreographic sequence! The Double Reverse Spin can be done in almost any dance: It is at least done in the Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Quick Step, and Paso Doble.

 :o)
Matt

Notes for Dr Matt's Ballroom Dance Class — Week Six

Hey Dance Fans, . . . have you read my review of the
most-watched television show of the summer,
So You Think You Can Dance ?

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Social Psychologist & Personal Advisor

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