Leaders should know 6- and 8-count patterns by name
and be able to walk through all without a partner: sugar push, right underarm pass, left
side pass, tuck turn, basket whip, and whip. Leaders should be able to
lead seamlessly
from pattern to pattern without hesitation.
Leaders should have begun to understand the
importance of posture, body position and foot position to
properly balance themselves through their moves.
Leaders should understand the basics of
connection:
stretch, compression and opposition.
Leaders should be able to start their dance
in time with the music,
preparing to lead just before the downbeat. The steps of basic patterns
strike on the
downbeat and finish on the upbeat.
Leaders should use a body lead
at the beginning of patterns (move away,
stretching the leading arm as opposed to shortening it). Leaders should not drag their followers through the
pattern. They should initiate the lead just before movement and then allow
the follower to follow through.
Leaders should understand the basics of
frame and
tone. In particular, they should understand how to utilize it to
indicate direction of movement.
Leaders should adjust for the different body types
and dance abilities of their followers, making West Coast Swing
enjoyable for their follower.
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Followers should know 6- and 8-count patterns by name
and be able to walk through all without a partner: sugar push, right underarm pass, left
side pass, tuck turn, basket whip, and whip. Followers should be able to
move seamlessly
from pattern to pattern without hesitation.
Followers should have begun to understand the
importance of posture, body position and foot position to
properly balance themselves through their moves.
Followers should understand the basics of
connection:
stretch, compression and opposition.
Followers should wait to be led
prior to each new move. In particular,
at the beginning of a pattern, followers should contract their abdominal
muscles and settle/roll backward before moving forward.
Followers should propel
themselves through patterns until the leader indicates the next change in connection.
Followers should understand the basics of
frame and
tone. In almost all moves followers should keep their hands in front of their body and
within the frame zone.
Followers should adjust for the different body types
and dance abilities of their partners. Followers should work to
make West Coast Swing
enjoyable for their leader.
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