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Old 17-10-2014, 16:48
Jennifer_F
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Ah ok. Makes sense. Re Henry's comment, my problem was also with getting weight over leg, but also body alignment (remembering to not turn it too much and break). If I remember that the pivots tend to work.
At the point where you are coming forward, partner backing LOD, with your right foot coming forward and partner dropping foot back,well into knees, try and get the best connection you can here( contra body), both your weights should be forward towards each other. You don't really want to feel that you are fully over your right leg as that will take your weight into your partner. Even though you are on that right leg, by now you must try and develop a strong left side lead, and the partner does the same. You need to try and feel the volume in your top. As you come forward, I always think about my shoes doing the work ( the suede soles) and then keep the volume out to left, don't drop sides, feel that although my feet and going in a forward then back action, my body is forward to my partner thoughout all, body passing and around, then dropping my foot slightly backwards ready to receive my partner coming forwards. The person coming foward always has the power, even if lady comes forward in any steps, the lady then has the power. Think of that in weave actions.
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Old 17-10-2014, 16:55
henrywilliams58
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At the point where you are coming forward, partner backing LOD, with your right foot coming forward and partner dropping foot back,well into knees, try and get the best connection you can here( contra body), both your weights should be forward towards each other. You don't really want to feel that you are fully over your right leg as that will take your weight into your partner. Even though you are on that right leg, by now you must try and develop a strong left side lead, and the partner does the same. You need to try and feel the volume in your top. As you come forward, I always think about my shoes doing the work ( the suede soles) and then keep the volume out to left, don't drop sides, feel that although my feet and going in a forward then back action, my body is forward to my partner thoughout all, body passing and around, then dropping my foot slightly backwards ready to receive my partner coming forwards. The person coming foward always has the power, even if lady comes forward in any steps, the lady then has the power. Think of that in weave actions.
I understand that suede is the most appropriate. But surely leather is more slippy slidey and easier?
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Old 17-10-2014, 17:06
Jennifer_F
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I've just created a new move by chance which not unexpectedly is an old move called the Boleo. I thought the Boleo was something else.

I lead a pivot and just before the follower lands, lead a pivot right back in the opposite direction. The result is a lovely outstretched flicking leg making an arc.

I mustn't over do it though.
Sounds very nice !
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Old 17-10-2014, 17:11
Jennifer_F
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I understand that suede is the most appropriate. But surely leather is more slippy slidey and easier?
Ballroom and latin shoes always have suede soles, both mens and ladies.
The soles can be / are as slippy/slidey as you need them or like them to be.
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Old 17-10-2014, 17:12
Spin turn
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At the point where you are coming forward, partner backing LOD, with your right foot coming forward and partner dropping foot back,well into knees, try and get the best connection you can here( contra body), both your weights should be forward towards each other. You don't really want to feel that you are fully over your right leg as that will take your weight into your partner. Even though you are on that right leg, by now you must try and develop a strong left side lead, and the partner does the same. You need to try and feel the volume in your top. As you come forward, I always think about my shoes doing the work ( the suede soles) and then keep the volume out to left, don't drop sides, feel that although my feet and going in a forward then back action, my body is forward to my partner thoughout all, body passing and around, then dropping my foot slightly backwards ready to receive my partner coming forwards. The person coming foward always has the power, even if lady comes forward in any steps, the lady then has the power. Think of that in weave actions.
Complicated. Knees bent and volume to left and body forward to partner are main things for me to remember. I've only ever pivoted forwards on left foot to date (I think......). Have pivoted backwards on right though.
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Old 17-10-2014, 17:15
Spin turn
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I've just created a new move by chance which not unexpectedly is an old move called the Boleo. I thought the Boleo was something else.

I lead a pivot and just before the follower lands, lead a pivot right back in the opposite direction. The result is a lovely outstretched flicking leg making an arc.

I mustn't over do it though.
I often miss boleo leads and so you'd probably have to over do it if partnering me!
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:00
An Thropologist
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Indeed, it would have. There is a ballroom saying regarding weight distribution.."balls over the balls"...
Never heard that. Easy to remember.


I thought it was nose over toes.

You must hang out in a different type of dance hall to me Jennifer!
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:14
Jennifer_F
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I thought it was nose over toes.

You must hang out in a different type of dance hall to me Jennifer!
Yeah...BALLrooms
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:21
Jennifer_F
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Complicated. Knees bent and volume to left and body forward to partner are main things for me to remember. I've only ever pivoted forwards on left foot to date (I think......). Have pivoted backwards on right though.
I was answering this at work and my PC crashed, so I decided to go home! Simple way to pick up pivots is from 3 steps of a natural turn.
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:21
elizabethjo
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This is an interesting thread. I am a dancer not a teacher. I have Gold Bar medals in all 5 ballroom and all 5 latin dances. I am currently trying to get to grips with the advanced choreography my teacher is writing in for me.
I will keep looking at this thread, I dont come on here much these days.
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:24
Jennifer_F
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This is an interesting thread. I am a dancer not a teacher. I have Gold Bar medals in all 5 ballroom and all 5 latin dances. I am currently trying to get to grips with the advanced choreography my teacher is writing in for me.
I will keep looking at this thread, I dont come on here much these days.
Yes, please do, and don't be afraid to ask any questions and perhaps you may be able to help others !!
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:31
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I was answering this at work and my PC crashed, so I decided to go home! Simple way to pick up pivots is from 3 steps of a natural turn.
That make sense.
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:34
Spin turn
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I thought it was nose over toes.

You must hang out in a different type of dance hall to me Jennifer!
I've heard some very basic analogies, particulalry when discussing samba action
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:36
Jennifer_F
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I understand that suede is the most appropriate. But surely leather is more slippy slidey and easier?
I always refer to it as suede but I'm sure its not really suede, although similar. Anyone know what the material is?
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:40
Jennifer_F
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Looks so effective too,using lots of sway at the end of 3 steps of natural turn. Lose the sway and need to lower quickly into left before coming forward on right. Soft and rotational, keeping down in knees.
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:40
henrywilliams58
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This is what I bought. Incredibly light and very comfortable and very cheap.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comfortabl...item232f225a70
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:46
Jennifer_F
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This is what I bought. Incredibly light and very comfortable and very cheap.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comfortabl...item232f225a70
I can't really see the soles clearly, but it does look like the suede type material I mean. So yes, they are leather, but a bit like suede? I'm sure someone will come up with the correct name.
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:48
henrywilliams58
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I can't really see the soles clearly, but it does look like the suede type material I mean. So yes, they are leather, but a bit like suede? I'm sure someone will come up with the correct name.
It is an artificial leather / PVC blend (PU Leather) on the upper and a artificial suede on the sole.

One thing to watch is that as I brush one foot across and beyond the other they grip on each other and I almost fell over once. So I apply Vaseline on the insides.
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Old 17-10-2014, 18:55
Jennifer_F
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It is an artificial leather / PVC blend (PU Leather) on the upper and a artificial suede on the sole.

One thing to watch is that as I brush one foot across and beyond the other they grip on each other and I almost fell over once. So I apply Vaseline on the insides.
Yes, all men ballroom dancers use vaseline on their shoes, its essential with all the closing of feet and feet passing each other.
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Old 17-10-2014, 19:17
Caramel Crunch
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Not my thread of course but I would say you can most definitely join in. You don't have to be a dancer or teacher to want information, or voice an observation.


Jennifer F - this is your thread, so hope I'm not "treading on your toes" with this answer to CC ?
No, not at all...I just started the thread as I can see that there seems to be a number of people more interested in technique etc this year. Everyone welcome to join in.
Thankyou
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Old 17-10-2014, 19:50
bendymixer
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great thread - great idea - will help with any questions that need answering
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Old 17-10-2014, 20:02
Jennifer_F
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great thread - great idea - will help with any questions that need answering
Thank you Bendy and you are most welcome and certainly more than qualified.
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Old 17-10-2014, 20:29
kaycee
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Indeed, it would have. There is a ballroom saying regarding weight distribution.."balls over the balls"...
Or "nose over toes" !!
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Old 17-10-2014, 21:00
fawkes
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Yes please! Great idea Am always sad we don't learn more about this in the show, and it really bugs me that we see so little of the actual training

I love dancing (previously ballet and modern, currently swing dancing) but have never learned ballroom/Latin. One day, when I find the time/money...!

Jennifer_F (I think it was in your post), what is LOD please?
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Old 17-10-2014, 21:19
peter_s
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Hello Everybody - As other posters have mentioned, this is an interesting thread.

I'm not a teacher, but can dance (Gold Star Ballroom, Gold Bar Latin) but am not dancing at the moment.

I don't contribute often to the Strictly forum (i lurk a lot ) but will keep popping into the thread to have a look.
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