Dance Terms

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Dance Terms

Other Dance Terminology Sources

Dance Terminology by Leon Raper
GLOSSARY OF DANCE TERMINOLOGY Compiled by Don Deyne

Index of Terms

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Anchor Step

The term anchor step is used to denote that you should not come towards your partner at the end of a pattern.

It is ok to do a triple step in place. However the term is often used to describe that the weight is more backward. This means that you do the triple in third foot position.

There are many different styles of anchoring at the end of a pattern. In Texas Push people do a double resistance (also called rock step) very often.

Double Resistance (Alias Rock Step)

Popular in Texas Push and Whip but definitely nice to do in other forms of WCS. It replaces last two counts of a pattern. And the first two of the next pattern (optionally). That means count 5&6 for a six count pattern and count 1 and count 2 of the next pattern. The most essential thing about the double resistance is the flexing of the bodies away on count 5 and towards each other on count 6 (this flexing is caused by resistance).

The arm connection stays the same, i.e. no pulling or pushing at all. Just feel a pull and push in the handhold.

Footwork (optional)

Follower:
count 5: step backward on left foot (extend arms; feel some pull in hand hold; flexing body backward)
count 6: replace weight onto right foot and slide left foot next to right
_&: change weight onto left foot.
count 1&2: hitch step (optional)

Leader:
count 5: step backward on right foot (push follower backward; feel some pull in hand hold; flexing body backward)
count 6: replace weight onto left foot and slide right foot next to left
_&: change weight onto right foot.
count 1&2: hitch step (optional)

Exercises

Since partners need to apply an equal push to each other on 6, the best way to mimic this is by using the wall as your partner.

You should not pull too much on count 5. _TerriRippa teaches to use a refrigerator handle (when the door opens, you lose!)

To practice the flexing on count 5 and count 6 you could use your arms as contra-balance. So, when bending body backward point your arms forward; when bending body forward point your arms backward. Repeat this ( 5,6,5,6,5,6,5,6 )

Hitch Step

Replaces 1 and 2 of a pattern. Usually done as a nice variation or to get out of a weird foot position on count 6 (for example a _cross or a _hook.

Follower:
count 1: tough right toes in front of left foot (or tough heel)
count a: step on right foot
count 2: step forward on left (now you in a normal foot position and can continue)

Leader:
count 1: tough left heel in front
count a: step on left foot
count 2: step backward on right foot (now you in a normal foot position and can continue)

Variation

On count 1 you can touch anywhere you like.

Rock Step

Most Often: Two weight changes. Often step back with weight and then replace weight on forward foot.

Third Foot Position

heel to instep

Triple Step

Three weight changes, either left, right, left or right, left, right. Interchangeable with _t, step since that one weight change (also odd).

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