Footrise in Bolero

[s2k]

From this Jan 7, 2014 article from DanceSport Place: "The Three Rumbas: American, International, and Bolero":

On the Bolero section: "Being the slowest of the three rumbas, the bolero technique is quite different. Because the depth of the knee action is more accentuated in this dance, there can be a waltz-like feel of rise and fall, although using actual footrise in the basic has become an outmoded technique."

Footrise in bolero is "outmoded"?

 

[Partner Dancer]

From this Jan 7, 2014 article from DanceSport Place: "The Three Rumbas: American, International, and Bolero":

On the Bolero section: "Being the slowest of the three rumbas, the bolero technique is quite different. Because the depth of the knee action is more accentuated in this dance, there can be a waltz-like feel of rise and fall, although using actual footrise in the basic has become an outmoded technique."

Footrise in bolero is "outmoded"?

It's good that they've finally recognized that artificial things like "foot rise" has no place in partner dance (it's not outmoded, it's just _bad_). "Foot rise" should be the result of how one's torso weight travels over the hip/leg (rolling foot, raising ankle), not something that is purposely done as a separate independent action (causes repeated motion injury, especially in partner dancing where one's partner could cause unexpected stress on one's ankle [that would be vulnerable if artificial foot rise is being used]). Generally speaking, body parts are better "compressed" in partner dancing than (hyper-) "extended" as the (artificial) extension puts one's body at risk of injury (often due to partner's pulling/pushing).

 

[RiseNFall]

What I was told: original or "real" bolero has no foot rise. Some ballroom dancers/teachers do/teach it with foot rise. Many recognize that there shouldn't be any, or "prefer" the no no foot rise version. As you can tell from how I am describing it, I was taught no foot rise, though there was acknowledgment that some people teach it with foot rise.

 

[jump'n'jive]

From one of our coaches who happens to be the most interesting man in ballroom and a top judge,

"rise through the feet lower through the knees"

 

[GJB]

So he says there is foot rise in Bolero?

 

[scullystwin42]

Man, I have heard both. I hear a lot of footrise as styling or accent, lately. if there ever is a decision on it, lemme know.

 

[dlliba10]

I've been told that elevation occurs in the knees and body, and if the knee and body rise carries the foot with it, then sure, if not, fine, but foot rise itself isn't the end goal.

 

[cornutt]

I do it with some foot rise. Not as much as waltz. Pro tells me that lately what he sees in comps is no foot rise for the most part.

 

[DanceMentor]

no foot rise in bolero

If I see you at a social dance, I will be doing some foot rise just as a protest. Of course, I don't compete in American Rhythm.

 

[Dr Dance]

Are you trying to get a rise out of her?

 

[twnkltoz]

I've been told that elevation occurs in the knees and body, and if the knee and body rise carries the foot with it, then sure, if not, fine, but foot rise itself isn't the end goal.

This is what I was taught years ago by a high ranking pro. Can't remember who now...

 

[GJB]

Didn't there used to be foot rise in the 90s? Why did they change it?

 

[twnkltoz]

For the same reason we don't have toe releases going backwards in bolero.

Foot rise is a product of rolling through the length of the foot to provide progressive movement, back to front. We don't have progressive movement in Bolero.

Thank you for the explanation!

 

[tangotime]

What I was told: original or "real" bolero has no foot rise. Some ballroom dancers/teachers do/teach it with foot rise. Many recognize that there shouldn't be any, or "prefer" the no no foot rise version. As you can tell from how I am describing it, I was taught no foot rise,

And THAT'S the way it was formatted .

 

[Dr Dance]

If I see you at a social dance, I will be doing some foot rise just as a protest. Of course, I don't compete in American Rhythm.

But if you did, I'm certain that you would rise to the occasion.