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Broom Stick Comparison

Broom Stick Comparison

Source Mario Robau

Imagine there is a broom stick tied to your elbows. This will prevent you moving your elbows backwards.

This is a comparison that is both for leaders and followers. Often when doing a _push_break on count 3 the elbows end up behind the body which is wrong if you are at the beginner level according to most teachers. (an exception is Craig Hutchinson, see below) One should not put the elbows behind the body because it collapses the frame.

Do not stiffen your arms; followers, just provide resistance when the leader pushes your hands towards you (protect your space!)

Many leads depend on the broom stick idea. Like the push technique for turning the follower on a2 in the Whip.

The same idea can also be communicated by using the term 'Barbie doll'

Exceptions

The style of Craig Hutchinson

Craig Hutchinson teaches that the hands should be equidistant between the two bodies. This means that the elbows could end up behind the body during the _push_break.

Advanced Technique

To create more momentum advanced dancers move their elbows behind their bodies

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