Any steps in your routine you can't name?

[DanceMentor]

I was getting some choreography from a World class coach, and there were couple of steps that he showed us that I had not seen before. I asked for the name of the step and he said "I don't know". I suppose it is not that important. Do you have any steps you can't name in your routines?

(for us a couple of examples were a "sort of hover telemark" and a "sort of double reverse spin", but definitely not what you would think of these as being)

 

[GGinrhinestones]

Tons. Most of them, as a matter of fact, though I could probably name a couple if I really tried. I'm not saying this is good or bad, but we spend very little time learning the names of steps - we spend it learning how to do them. He'll usually mention it somewhere along the line, but remembering what things are called isn't high on either of our priorities.

 

[toothlesstiger]

Figures often don't get names until someone puts them in a book or a video, or someone needs to get tested on them. ;-)

 

[famfam]

I personally like knowing the names of things, or making something up. We have something in our foxtrot called the cuddly lunge thing (although to be fair that wasn't our name)

 

[debmc]

I like to know the names of all the patterns I do. Easy reference, and you can look them up for review if needed.

 

[debmc]

That being said... international style is alot more consistent about calling patterns by the same names. American style patterns can be called alot of different things depending on syllabus... Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire, DVIDA, NDCA, etc, etc.

 

[Gorme]

If there isn't a name associated with a figure, I make one up. It makes for an interesting conversation with your pro until they get on board with the name that you created.

 

[fascination]

I know the names of all of the 10 -dance items...though I am aware that some are done in unique ways.....I know the names of the syllabus smooth moves...the open smooth and the rhythm, only here and there...not sure where I am better or worse off for it

 

[Terpsichorean Clod]

There's this figure that feels like a running finish with an extra RF back step tacked on at the beginning. I refer to it as a "running running finish". :razz:

 

[dbk]

As someone who dances open smooth.... probably 90% of them I can't name, because there's no name.

Of course, this leads to me making up names like 'the spinny thing' 'that step you hate', etc. which in turn makes it impossible for me to remember the real names for the steps in my standard routine.

 

[GGinrhinestones]

As someone who dances open smooth.... probably 90% of them I can't name, because there's no name.

Of course, this leads to me making up names like 'the spinny thing' 'that step you hate', etc. which in turn makes it impossible for me to remember the real names for the steps in my standard routine.

LOL! So true.

There seems to be a theme starting here - standard (and Latin?) = know the names, smooth & rhythm not so much. Seems to fit with the character and histories of the different styles, too.

 

[tangotime]

I asked for the name of the step and he said "I don't know".

I suppose it is not that important.

What a strange response !..

 

[toothlesstiger]

I used to attend group classes where the instructor would have invented the figure before the class, so it would not be found in any book, syllabus, or video. In these cases, I would name the figures myself in my notes, as I was diligent in taking notes on all the figures I learned. If there was a part that was similar to a figure I already knew the name of, that would go into the name, along with what made the new figure different from the original.

 

[scullystwin42]

Of course, this leads to me making up names like 'the spinny thing' 'that step you hate', etc. which in turn makes it impossible for me to remember the real names for the steps in my standard routine.

LOL, this is how i name everything. I take notes after lessons, and all of my step descriptions have a "thingy" at the end. "Stupid hip thingy." "Cool turn thingy" "spinny spinny spinny thingy" Apparently, I'm like 10 yrs old when it comes to naming things. Even though many of them probably have actual names. The only moves i remember the names for are the ones that are used in ballet and gymnastics. developee, hitchkick, etc.

 

[dancerdol]

I have gone a LONG time without being able to name most of my steps - I knew the "basics" but, not every combination. Now, working with a new coach - I am being expected to know every step, know how to dance entire routine by myself, know how to draw the steps on a diagram, know the timing of the routine by myself, and how to explain the man's part. I also have to know where we are looking (at each other, audience )on each part of our choreography and which exact turn I am supposed to be doing (as opposed to defaulting mid-turn to my favorite or easiest turns I now have to stay with the pivot turn etc. if this is in our choreography) Much much harder to practice at this level but, rewarding.