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Dance Practice

 
Stop and Practice the Dance Positions
by: Shawn Trautman
 
Once you have incorporated foot positions with connection points to construct the six dance positions, it is time to create some muscle memory before you start adding fancy footwork to the dance positions.
 
The following exercise is designed to allow your bodies to adjust to these new positions. Take as much or as little time on it as you feel necessary— just remember, as simple as these positions seem now, if they are not fully concrete in your muscle memory, the minute you start adding footwork your frame will collapse and an adequate lead will become entirely out of the question. So, find a space that is big enough for you and your dance partner to walk 20 steps or so. This can be in a circle, around a room, or down a hallway. There also needs to be enough room for both of you to fit walking shoulder to shoulder. Next, at your starting point, assume the open dance position. Walk the length of the room or around the room, maintaining the open dance position. Try some lateral movement in each position as well. Some will be easier than others, but it’ll be fun to go through them all. Repeat this exercise for each of the dance positions until you and your partner are completely comfortable.
 

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