First 1/2 hour was spent only on review and practice of the Rumba material learned - 1) 1/2 box to progressive forward rocks, & side rocks, etc. 2) The x-body lead to side x side, then circle walks (& swivel), back walks, and side, close.
But in the 2nd 1/2 hour, we worked on the Tango dance. We did 2 patterns, both very similar to start & to end, but 'something different' in the middle.
1) Double Cortes: Gave you 2 choices >> either a turning rock step to a Corte, then another turning rock to a Corte, then Tango Close. OR . . a turning rock step to 2 full Cortes (SSSS), then Tango Close. The man (could) use a rolling action in the Cortes (that would be thru the body, 'not noisy arms' (grr-rr-rr). Because he is sending so much lower body weight back thru his L side, he should keep his head weight more to his R side, or at least centred. Gal should have her head weight back & over her L side - NOT over the man.
2) Double Fans: Same pattern, but dancing the 'fans' in place of the cortes. To lead the girl into the fans, the man must rotate his frame to his R at the end of the 2nd step - to allow space for her step through. Then he steps back onto his L & "pulls" his R foot slight back, then forward onto R foot,letting the L foot pull slightly forward. This is just to create a little bit of slack to allow the girl perform her actions. **She steps (small step) forward outside of his R side, and then swivels sharply to face the opposite direction. Then she steps forward again & swivels, and so on. She must not step too big a step on these fans, or she will create a lot of stress in the relationship within the frame. Each time that she swivels, the trailing foot will 'just point', but no weight should be attached to that point. So, she steps - then 'swivel & point'; then step - then 'swivel & point'.
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.
