Was so fortunate that I was at the right place at the right time that I got the chance to witness Singapore first ever Dancesport championship at the heartlands near Hwi Yoh CC at Jalan Kayu Day celebration.
My eyes were glued to the contestants from all different levels and walks of life.
Its the enjoyment and sparkle in their eyes.
One together with the music.
Even their walk-ins had the elegant air. (No exaggeration)
There was cha cha
Basic step of cha-cha-cha
The basic pattern involves the lead (usually the man) taking a checked forward step with the left foot, retaining some weight on the right foot. The knee of the right leg must stay straight and close to the back of the left knee, the left leg having straightened just prior to receiving part weight. This step is taken on the second beat of the bar. Full weight is returned to the right leg on the second step (beat three).The fourth beat is split in two so the count of the next three steps is 4-and-1. These three steps constitute the cha-cha-cha chasse. A step to the side is taken with the left foot, the right foot is half closed towards the left foot (typically leaving both feet under the hips or perhaps closed together), and finally there is a last step to the left with the left foot. The length of the steps in the chasse depends very much on the effect the dancer is attempting to make.
The partner takes a step back on the right foot, the knee being straightened as full weight is taken. The other leg is allowed to remain straight. It is possible it will shoot slightly but no deliberate flexing of the free leg is attempted. This is quite different from technique associated with salsa, for instance. On the next beat (beat three) weight is returned to the left leg. Then a cha-cha-cha chasse is danced RLR.
Each partner is now in a position to dance the bar their partner just danced. Hence the fundamental construction of Cha-cha-cha extends over two bars.
The checked first step is a later development in the International Cha-cha-cha. Because of the action used during the forward step (the one taking only part weight) the basic pattern turns left, whereas in earlier times Cha-cha-cha was danced without rotation of the alignment. Hip actions are allowed to occur at the end of every step. For steps taking a single beat the first half of the beat constitutes the foot movement and the second half is taken up by the hip movement. The hip sway eliminates any increase in height as the feet are brought towards each other. In general, steps in all directions should be taken first with the ball of the foot in contact with the floor, and then with the heel lowering when the weight is fully transferred; however, some steps require that the heel remain lifted from the floor. When weight is released from a foot, the heel should release from the floor first, allowing the toe to maintain contact with the floor...
There's also Jive
The basic step (Jive Basic) is a six beat pattern, comprising eight weight changes.
- Leader: Normally the male
- Counts 1&2 - Chasse to the left (Triple step)
- Counts 3&4 - Chasse to the right
- Counts 5 6 - Rock step: left foot step back, right foot
Overall Jive is a dance and is the faster version of the swing. A lot of kicks are used in jive with a bouncy type movement using the balls of the feet a lot. It is an American dance originated from the Jitterbug dance, and it is danced without the lifts and acrobatic elements. Jive is a fast and energy-consuming dance. It is normally the last dance danced at competitions because of the energetic style.
And my favorite of all
Rumba.
It was absolutely sexy.
Coming from Cuba, the original rumba (like the original tango) was a much more sexualized dance, making it such that it was often banned from establishments. However, another version of the dance became popular worldwide. This "son" of the original rumba was a much slower, more sensual set of movements, and included the choreography that eventually came to be known as the rumba box step.
Part of the rumba's popularity comes from the ease of the dance steps. While you can add in fancy moves and elaborate choreographic sequences, you can also choose to simply do the box step and concentrate on the connection with your partner. The dance also does not have to be as frenetically fast as professional competitors make it look. The rumba can also be a very slow, sensuous dance between partners.
And who says it must be for mix partners?
Rumba! Here I come!
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment