DANCE TIP (Phase 1) - Crossing Steps

Anytime you do a crossing step, twist your lower body to make the cross easier.

Crossing steps are defined in phase 1 two step and waltz.

You can cross in only four ways. You can cross your left foot in front of the right. You can cross your left foot in back of the right. Or you can cross the right foot either in front or in back of the left.

If you do not turn your body at all, your legs will feel awkward as they cross and you will be standing there looking like someone who needs to heed the call of nature.

If you turn your whole body, it will make the crossing step feel more like a forward step (if crossing in front) or a backward step (if crossing behind) which is much easier to do. However, doing this also makes you lose contact with your partner.

Try keeping your shoulders and upper body facing your partner while you turn just the lower body to do the crossing step. This allows for the same ease of step as turning the whole body but without losing contact with the partner.

Note that crossing steps are used in figures such as vines, scissors, twinkles, fishtails, cross hovers, crab walks, voltas, sailor shuffles, et cetera. Master this at phase one and you have a body technique that will serve you well for many figures, even those at higher levels.

--------- Tim & Nana Eum ----------

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