Yikes! That was loaded! We worked on 2 brand new (and quite tricky) patterns in the Rumba dance. Put it all together, and "just gorgeous"!
1)Progressive forward & side rocks: Start with a 1/2 box, one side step, and then both partners go into a side by side forward rock step - rock forward, then back, then forward (QQS). VIP to completely transfer weight onto that 3rd step (forward) before turning to face partner for the side rocks. IN FACT, a really good Rumba dancer will 'always' fully transfer weight onto each and every step. After the forward rocks, quickly & sharply turn to face partner. Now - 3 side rocks - make the action happen thru the lower body - hips & knees, not the shoulders & arms. Then turn sharply to do 3 more forward rocks, "2" more side rocks, and man steps back & side together (2nd part of the box step).
2) Open Rumba Walks: Totally lovely pattern with the right technique and style. The man dances a 1/2 box, then turns 1/4 turn to his L doing the 2nd 1/2 of a box - but leading the girl into a x-body lead. When he closes his R foot to his L, he then releases his R hand from her back & lets her move past him to go into a 'side by side' position. He steps a very small step forward while doing this. Then, they both rock away from each other, in and towards each other - and then the man steps back onto his R foot, and gal steps forward onto her L foot. This is the beginning of their circular walk. Man walks back, back, and then slightly back but to the side (turning twds his partner). She walks forward, forward, and forward & swivel (to face her partner). Now, facing each other but still only 1 hand connected, he walks 3 steps back, and she walks 3 stepss forward. Then both do a 'side, together' whilst coming back into closed dance position. **NOTE: There are 2 places where the lady does a swivel step - at the end of the x-body lead, she swivels to end 'side by side' to him. Also, she swivels at the end of the circular walks to face him. VIP for her to keep her trailing foot close to her working foot - 'toe to instep' - rather than allowing that foot to flip outwards.
On the last week of dance lessons We have a "wrap up party". Dance classes are not open to the public – members or guests only.
All students bring a food item – ie: appetizers, quartered sandwiches, veggies, or whatever. All foods are placed on tables at the front, and everyone helps themselves buffet style at intermission.
Students can bring their own water, pop, or juice.
