Swivel Step

[ShyDancer]

Learnt this tonight in Mambo...was a heap of fun but my teacher told me I need to "really get into the ground and get more out of my hips"

I can work the hips ok now but my question is how, exactly, do I "get into" the ground?? She told me to imagine I was standing on a tennis ball or a tomato and I have to squash it into the ground, ... I cant seem to do it without taking big heavy steps!

Anyone have any practice ideas for me?


Thanks :D

[Genesius Redux]

What I've been told, and what works for me, is two things--

First, you're getting the propulsion for each step through your feet. If you push off and twist with your feet with each step, don't worry so much about the foot you're stepping on, but on the propulsion from the twist you get with your back foot.

Second possibility, think about your hips and don't think about your feet at all. When you work your hips, your feet will automatically move.

I found the second suggestion was better when I was first learning, the first after I became a little more comfortable with the step and could work on technique.

HTH,

Genesius

[dancin_feet]

To "get into the ground" I assume you are meaning like a cuban motion type of movement? I am working on this in my rumba and cha at the moment. My instructor told me there are two ways you can think of it. Either that you are dancing about an inch below the floor itself, or that you are dancing on a floor covered in sand. Either way helps you to maintain the pressure on your foot and gives you a more stable step. You then straighten the leg you have just stepped on, which causes your hips to move.

One thing I have learnt is that they are not looking for hip movement, they are looking at your knees to see if you are straightening your leg. If you are, the hips will move naturally.

Hope this helps. :D

[SDsalsaguy]

Think about how you use your feet and legs when you walk up a set of stairs. Now replicate the same actions on the dance floor.

HTH

[bordertangoman]

thinkk of it as a corkscrew movement. the swivel send the energy downnnn

[ShyDancer]

Thanks for the response everyone :D
Some really good ideas there! ANd I have to say thanks from my sister too..even though sh ehas no internet access I pass on all your advice!




Think about how you use your feet and legs when you walk up a set of stairs. Now replicate the same actions on the dance floor.

HTH


This is a great one! I couldnt resist standing up to try it...much to the amusement of everyone around me 8) 8)


Going to practice practice practice until my private lesson tomorrow! Lets see if I can impress my teacher!

[SDsalsaguy]

Think about how you use your feet and legs when you walk up a set of stairs. Now replicate the same actions on the dance floor.

HTH

This is a great one! I couldnt resist standing up to try it...much to the amusement of everyone around me 8) 8)


Going to practice practice practice until my private lesson tomorrow! Lets see if I can impress my teacher!
Now just do the same thing on the inside edges of your feet -- with your toes turned slightly out but your knees remaining forward -- and you also have your Cuban motion built in as well... :D

[ShyDancer]

You're a champ SD!! :D :D


Oh how I love this place!

[SDsalsaguy]

:oops: ...glad to be of help... :oops: