Dancing Tips - Forward Walking Exercise

By Stanley McCalla, a former US amateur champion in Latin, Standard and 10 dances; 4 times US representative to World Championships; Fred Astaire National Dance Board Member and Adjudicator; Fred Astaire Dance Board Examiner; Fred Astaire Smooth Undefeated Champion. Stanley can be reached at jsmccalla@mindspring.com or 845-304-9028.

Hello and welcome back to the Tip Of The Week. In my last two articles, I mentioned how important it is to practice certain techniques that will improve your dancing and make it more enjoyable. So far you've heard about good posture and position of the feet in Latin and Rhythm.
Today, I will tell you about a forward walking exercise that will enhance your Foxtrot, Waltz, Viennese Waltz in Standard or Smooth.

Applying the good posture that was described in my first article, start standing in first position with feet parallel, and with your weight on your (L.F) left foot.

Extend your right leg forward from the hip with your moving foot lightly skimming the floor, first with the toes, then the ball, then the heel of the foot. At this point you should have your weight evenly distributed between the heel of your moving foot (the right), and the ball of your supporting foot (the left), with the legs straight. Continue moving placing your weight over your right foot and bringing your left underneath the body in the original position. Repeat with the (L.F)

You should practice this exercise before every lesson. That will improve your coordination and balance and you will develop a strong sense of movement.

In the previous article, I asked you this question:

What is the foot position used in the cross over break step?

Answer: Fourth position: forward and across in CBMP with toe turn out. If you’re not dancing this way it’s the time to start.

I will leave you now with this next question. What is CBMP?

It’s the occasion to ask your teacher if you do not know this term yet. We’ll talk about that more next time; meanwhile happy dancing!

Cheers,

Stanley Mc Calla