Amalgamations and Popular Variations

[Pirgit Pedaja]

My partner and I have just started competing in closed syllabus bronze competitions in standard, smooth, rhythm, and latin. So far we have done very well; but we're looking to spice up some of our routines! If any of you can suggest a good amalgamation or variation we'd really appreciate it.

Thanks so much!! :D

[cl5814]

Welcome Pirgit Pedaja. Glad to have you join our dance forums.


Check out this thread.

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=7552

[Chris Stratton]

In international tango, two walks into a progressive side step reverse turn is a really nice opening. I try to bring out the check action in step four, but be sure to keep the topline level when doing it - no rolling shapes please. This is bronze, but could easily start a gold or novice routine.

Quickstep: be the first to learn to use the inside of the floor with figures that move slightly to DC. From a spin turn, execute a heel pivot (back of the book) to end facing DC then either a chasse to R, back lock, running finish, OR do a chasse reverse turn followed by a progressive chasse unwinding to face back to wall. You could also start either of these by doing a full natural turn with it's hesitation ending DC. The big caveat though is that as these things deviate a little from the normal racetrack flow of bronze quickstep, you need to be very aware of what other couples are doing, and execute the transitions in a way that doesn't cause collisions or block couples behind you. It helps to think of the whole sequence as taking place in a river that is flowing down the LOD - you may carefully change to an inside lane, but stay in one lane at a time and don't swerve across traffic.

International Foxtrot: Reverse turn, rise on step 4 to check the backwards progress, then forward into a basic weave. Do it with the check backing into the corner and it will get you out of many tight spots.

[Laura]

In international tango, two walks into a progressive side step reverse turn is a really nice opening. I try to bring out the check action in step four, but be sure to keep the topline level when doing it - no rolling shapes please. This is bronze, but could easily start a gold or novice routine.

A contra check is bronze syllabus in Standard Tango? (I'd go check the book but it's out in the car.)

[Chris Stratton]

In international tango, two walks into a progressive side step reverse turn is a really nice opening. I try to bring out the check action in step four, but be sure to keep the topline level when doing it - no rolling shapes please. This is bronze, but could easily start a gold or novice routine.

A contra check is bronze syllabus in Standard Tango? (I'd go check the book but it's out in the car.)

It's not a contra check!

It feels very similar, but it's on the other foot, so it's a side lead rather than 'contra' (CBMP) position.

Of course the similarity in character is why it's so special, and can be carried right up through the levels.

(I'll probably be tortured to death by friends for revealing our secret weapon)

[Laura]

Ahhh, I see. I misread your post.

[Kitty]

(I'll probably be tortured to death by friends for revealing our secret weapon)

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: