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 article, I mentioned how important it is to practice certain techniques that will improve your dancing. I introduced the Forward Walk exercise. Today, I’ll tell you about the Backward Walk in Smooth and Standard dances, except Tango.
Hello and welcome back to the Tip of the Week. In my last article, I mentioned how important it is to practice certain techniques that will improve your dancing. I introduced the Forward Walk exercise. Today, I’ll tell you about the Backward Walk in Smooth and Standard dances, except Tango.
Start with feet together, weight on R.F with the back straight, tailbone between feet, shoulders lined up vertically over hips.
Proceed by flexing the right knee and at the same time extending the left foot backwards from the hip, a normal length step, ball of foot first, then toe, then again on the ball of foot. At the extent of the stride, both legs will straighten slightly; the body should be balance between the ball of the L.F and the heel of the R.F.
Transfer weight back on L.F, taking care not to lower the left heel. Continue to move the body back to finish over L.F. At that point move the right foot back to the L.F and the left heel should lower instantly to the floor.
Continue this exercise extending the R.F back.
Answer to the question in the last article:
(What is CBM?)
This term is described as contra body movement (i.e.) your leading foot and your opposite shoulder are moving in the same direction. This term is usually introduced at the Bronze level. CBM is usually used to initiate turns. If you are a Bronze student and don’t know about it yet, sooner or later your teacher will explain it to you. More on that later, but meanwhile, practice your exercises; you will only get better!
This term is described as contra body movement (i.e.) your leading foot and your opposite shoulder are moving in the same direction. This term is usually introduced at the Bronze level. CBM is usually used to initiate turns. If you are a Bronze student and don’t know about it yet, sooner or later your teacher will explain it to you. More on that later, but meanwhile, practice your exercises; you will only get better!
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