Waltz Six-Count Underarm Turn

Summary

This instructional dance video focuses on the six-count underarm turn, a social dance variation. The script details the footwork, including the box step and underarm turn, for both men and women. It emphasizes the importance of hand positioning, turning technique, and maintaining contact during the dance. The video also explores variations of the turn, such as the amount of turn for the man and woman, and the importance of space and timing for a smooth and stylish execution.

Takeaways

• 💃 The dance routine involves a six-count underarm turn for the lady, performed over two bars of music.
• 👠 The lady's steps include a half box, an underarm turn, and a closing half box, all while the man performs a box step and a half box.
• 🕺 The man's role is to lead the lady through the turn with precise footwork and body positioning.
• 🤝 The lead is initiated with the man's left hand, inviting the lady to move towards him, and the right hand is released to signal the turn.
• 👥 Maintaining contact is crucial; the lady should keep slight pressure on the man's hand to avoid slipping away during the turn.
• 👣 Proper footwork involves toe-heel movements, with the toe releasing and the heel lowering at the end of each step.
• 🔄 The turns during the dance include a 3/8 turn to the left, a half turn to the right, and a quarter turn to face each other.
• 👀 The man should ensure he clears enough space to move around behind the lady without stepping on her foot.
• 🤔 The lady should respond to the man's lead by stepping straight in line with him, even as he extends his hand for the turn.
• 🌟 Variations of the turn include the man not turning at all, or turning more for a fuller look, depending on the dance setting and available space.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the dance instruction in the transcript?

The main focus of the dance instruction is the six-count underarm turn, a social dance variation where the man leads the lady through an underarm turn over the course of six steps or two bars of music.

What is the man's part in the dance sequence described in the transcript?

The man's part consists of a box step left, a box turn, and a half box. He leads the lady through the underarm turn while performing these steps, ensuring he dances the second half of the box as the lady completes the first part of her underarm turn.

How does the lady begin the dance sequence in the closed position?

The lady begins in the closed position with weight on the left foot, starting with a back step with the right foot, followed by a side step with the left foot, and closing with the right foot to the left foot, which constitutes half a box.

What is the footwork technique used in the dance sequence?

The footwork technique involves toe heel releasing, where the toe of the foot is released and the dancer begins to rise at the end of the step, continuing to rise on the toe and lowering on the heel at the end of the step.

What are the specific turns the man and lady perform during the dance?

The lady performs an underarm turn, which includes no turn on the first half of a box, a 3/8 turn to the left, three walks curving a total of one half turn to the right, a half box turning one quarter turn to the right, and finishing with no turn on the last half of the box.

How is the underarm turn initiated by the man?

The man initiates the underarm turn by using his left hand as an invitation hand, lifting his elbow slightly and taking his left hand back to lead the lady towards him. He then takes her hand over his head and pivots his hand around to maintain contact.

What is the importance of hand positioning during the underarm turn?

Proper hand positioning is crucial for maintaining contact and avoiding tangles. The man must pivot his hand around the lady's as he brings it back to the normal position, while the lady maintains slight pressure on his hand to keep the connection.

How should the man's right hand be managed during the turn?

The man should release his right hand as he extends his left hand into the turn. This release is part of the lead and signals the lady to move. In social dancing, the right hand might stay on her back for extra guidance, but in competitive dancing, it's common to release and open the position.

What are the considerations for foot positions during the underarm turn?

The man should ensure he clears enough space to take his left foot around the lady without stepping over or near her foot. Both partners should turn to meet each other and not rush to reconnect, maintaining a smooth and natural look.

What variations of the turn are discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses variations such as no turn on the first three steps of the box, a half turn for the lady and no turn for the man on the second half, and a quarter turn to face each other. It also mentions a more compact turn suitable for crowded floors and a fuller turn with more space for shows or competitions.