Re: FT's true timing - Q-S-Q

<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
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> On Tue, 02 Dec 2003 04:41:45 GMT, "michael champion"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> >
> >"Chris Stratton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >> "michael champion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
> >>
> >> > It is clear what the technique book says:
> >> >
> >> > (1). Rise > >> > This may be true how it is interpreted today, but
the technique book, which
> >> > is the standard by which this form of dancing is supposedly judged,
simply
> >> > makes this argument and all insuing discussion B.S.  ...
> >> >

> Interestingly, I am always up on 2 and get criticized by my instructor
> and partner for "popping" up too soon.  They want to see that
> "extended" rise, i.e the waltz-trot.  Unfortunately, try as I might, I
> do not seem to have the control to make this gradual ascent.
>
>  Besides, "popping up" quickly can have its advantages.....

The term "popping up" normally implies that one did not use the soft "body
lift" at the end of step 1 but rather relied on rise through the feet. Fox
Trot has been counted by
those that use the classical method as:

SLOW    LIFT QUICK  QUICK COLLECT
1          2 a      3             4            a

The lift is a shallow vertical rise that comes from the body center while
the body is over the standing foot (free leg closed) as the body shapes to a
forward left shoulder swing position, and it is from this position that the
body can now move forward foot to foot with a forward projection and a side
swing. The difference between Waltz and Fox Trot is that in Fox Trot the
body poise is slightly forward with a left shoulder (for want of a better
term - it is really more of the left collar bone and breast) forward, their
is a definite left shoulder lead, and the spine is perpendicular to the
floor. In waltz the body poise is neutral, and the spine is slightly arched
in the direction of movement (i.e., pendulum swing"), and  there is not a
pronounced left shoulder lead.

The early rise gives an incredible soft look to the Fox Trot, but it does
not resemble the powerful swing and movement used today (which requires one
to "waltz" their Fox trot). It resembles "walking on a cloud" or "in air"
which is not the look of today's fox trot.

Had I not had the opportunity to see former nine-dance champion John Westley
dance, or had not worked at one time with Al Franz (Eggleton Trained), I
would probably not know anything at all about the classical (and, quite
frankly, "by the book") method.

The "popping up" implies that you are moving and rising at the same time,
which means your rise (lift) did not occur while over the standing leg.
You moved off of the standing leg too soon, not allowing your left side
(moving) to shape against your right side (stationary).  To get a feel for
this, stand over your right leg and grab the area of flesh just above and to
the left of the left breast (between the shoulder and base of the neck) and
pull it forward. Congradulations, you have just danced a classical left
shoulder lead.

MLC







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