Technique, technique, technique!! We mostly worked on the same material as in lesson #1 - promenade steps to pivot turns and promenades to grapevine. But we spent most of this 2nd hour on the technique.
Just to review some points:
1) promenade steps - the first step into promenade is actually a forward progressing side step (in other words, don't point the toe fully in the direction that you are traveling - it will cause your body to overturn 'away from' your partner. Turn at the knees, but don't turn your upper body away from your partner. The 2nd step is xssed over the 1st along the same line and direction.
2) Pivot turn - Girl should be slightly behind the man - her L hip is slightly behind his hip. That way, when he steps around her he can easily get xss her. He should starting shaping his L side into the turn on the 2nd promenade step, so that when he steps around her with his L foot (going into the pivot turn), it will be smooth and continuous. *Remember guys - step right around her, moving your body strongly over your L foot (1/4 turn). Then continue to rotate another 1/4 turn - KEEPING YOUR RIGHT FOOT HELD FORWARD, and then step (R foot) forward between her feet.
3) Then 2 more promenade steps. Slide your R hand (guys) from her back to a finger-tip hold and step (both partners) - Side, back, side, forward - all the while turning the hips, knees and feet; but not the upper body. Should be light and buoyant - slightly up on the side steps, and lower on the back & the forward steps. Very compact steps. This is all about the turning of the lower body.
Then . . . we (started) to learn an open Twinkle to Lady's underarm turn. Man steps forward on L, forward & 'slightly' to the side onto R foot, and then a very small step L into promenade. He then steps xss (still in promenade) w/his R foot, and side together. *Just as he starts to step the small step into promenade, he raises his L arm to allow the girl to begin her turn. She steps forward (turning to her R), then (w/her back to him) - side on L & continues turning to face him, and side together. *She 'could' do a spiral during that side turning step - drawing the R toe in front of her L foot as she turns - and then (same foot) out to the side, and together.
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.
