About

FIRST SEGMENT - KYLE
Main Focuses:

 

9-Point Format
 

• The 9-point format will be your guide with whatever move you are executing, as well as directional changes for that move.
   

• Your feet together is point number 1; straight ahead is 2, moving clockwise (also counterclockwise) in the shape of a diamond and then transitioning to the shape of the square. This format can be used in any form of dance practice.
   

Step Vocabulary: "The Gallop"
 

• While working on our Gallop steps, remember to keep your weight on your supporting leg while your heel is tapping forward. You want to keep the weight on the balls of your feet and knees slightly bent while using your hips to counter balance the step.

SECOND SEGMENT - JORDAN

Main Focuses:

 

Where Is Your Weight Resting?
 

• How does your weight shift from one side to the other while you move? This awareness is important when transitioning from one step to the next. If we're not sure where our weight rests, it contributes to movement feeling unnecessarily uncomfortable or awkward. Is the weight in the ball of your foot; your heel; is it rolling from the ball to the heel? And so on! 

 

Keeping Your Knees Bent.
 

• Make sure you're not standing perfectly straight. Keeping your knees bent aids your body in "compressing" (think: the feeling in your body when landing after you jump). This keeps you at the "middle level," allowing easier access to any direction and overall stability. 

 

Move Through Your Torso.
 

• If you recorded yourself from the waist up, is your torso, neck or head moving? Are only your arms and legs moving? Dance is inside-out: think of hunger pangs, "butterflies" in your stomach to the sensation of relaxation; internal feelings/sensations that affect how we move in the world around us. That is the exact same idea we want within dance: what do you feel when you listen to music and how does it expand into the rest of your body? A good place to start: think of the motion of inhaling/exhaling, bobbing your head or tapping your foot..

 

Step Vocabulary: The 2-Step into The Pas De Bourrée
 

• What's your natural reaction to music you enjoy? Not just feeling, but how do you feel compelled to move? Something you think about! You want to carry that into your basic 2-step: 1 - 2, 1 - 2, 1 - 2. Adding the 3rd step, it turns into the pas de bourrée with a 1-and-2, 1-and-2 rhythm.  The tricky part is not executing the steps, but ensuring you don't lose the groove/pulse within your body. Maintain the rocking motion with your pelvis -- avoid stiffening up!​