Bolero - heal lead or ball lead?

[lindas3]

Two different teachers have told me two different things. Which on is right? Or..... is it done two different ways? I prefer more of a "latin/ball" step but will switch to the "smooth/heal" step if that's the more universally used way.

Thanks again for all the info I pick up while lurking here. You all are the best!

[wooh]

I've actually been taught both. I prefer toe lead.

[fire_dancer]

I've seen it taught both ways, but most of my teachers have always preferred to teach the "toe lead" method, and I personally like it best. :)

[suburbaknght]

It depends on the pattern. Normally it's ball-lead, but on some steps (i.e. the follower's forward step on a cross-body lead) a heel lead can help, particularly if you're emphasizing rise and fall.

[MultiFaceted Dancer]

I have always been taught in Bolero Toe/ Ball lower into heel. In some dances I was taught both ways for Hustle and West Coast heel and Toe. Same dances Anchor step Coaster step for WC and Coaster as well as Rock step for Hustle -have choosen what I like and it does seem majority Toe/ Ball Rock step Hustle and Anchor step for WC w/ a few exceptions for coaster step and always Toe for Bolero. It will be Interesting to see what others were taught.

[fascination]

both pros, past and present have taught it toe/ball...never had either suggest a heel

[Me]

Heel leads in bolero? I have never heard of that, sorry. :(

What looks stupid in bolero with toes is when people step up onto the toe instead of rising, and then plop/fall down, and then step up onto the toe again... ugh... I suppose a heel lead could force people to at least place their weight onto the foot before going up, thought they could still pop-up without rolling and look equally stupid and have incorrect footwork to boot. :)

[lindas3]

Thanks sooo much for the replys. That helps alot! I found some interesting stuff in the archives but nothing that answered my question. Now I can stick to my toe lead except when dancing with the teacher that preferes heel leads.

[Larinda McRaven]

My very first boss told me to take heel leads on certain steps in Bolero. I look back at that video and realize what a big dork I looked like. I would never take a heel lead again on purpose.

[Leonid Turetsky]

No heel leads in Bolero! (Only maybe if your doing pivots)