Viennese Waltz - Technique (4)

Viennese Waltz - Technique (4)
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From previous post:

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Forward Natural Turn:

1st Step: Rf (Right Foot forward)
The practical technique is the ability to create cbm when doing the first step. This is done by the standing foot. The moving foot will start touching the floor with heel, then role forward to the ball, then change direction with the help of cbm. Of course the driving force is always from the standing foot.

With the swing and sway technique, the change of direction aided by cbm would lead easily and smoothly the 2nd step. As the 1st is a heel-ball step, the 2nd is a ball step. This foot work should not be interpreted as the rise and fall at the level of Waltz. It is more a mechanism facilitating the change of direction normally considered as turning.

Amount of Turn (forward Right Turn)
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A general guide for the amount of turn is as follows.
Facing DC in the preparation;
1: Right foot (R) forward(f), having turned right 1/8 between preparation position and step 1 to LOD;
2: Left foot (L) to side(s), having turned right 1/4 between steps 1 and 2 facing W;
3: Close(c) R to L, having turned right 1/8 between steps 2 and 3 backing DC;
4: L back(b), having turned right 1/8 between steps 3 and 4 backing LOD;
5: Rs, having turned right 1/4 between steps 4 and 5 facing C;
6: LcR, having turned right 1/8 between steps 5 and 6 facing DC;
completing a full turn.
For those who are not familiar with alignments:
LOD = Lind Of Dance
W = Wall
DC = Diagonal Centre
C = Centre

Though VW is a quick dance, attention should be given to the fact that this is not a spinning dance. It would be easier for the leader to consider it as going straight then change direction or closing and change direction. Follower must not attempt to alter the amount of turn led by the leader. There are so many reasons that the leader would lead to a particular amount of turn not following the technique guide. The follower should therefore follow exactly what the leader leads, no more and no less.
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Another important feature in dancing VW is the appropriate footwork and alignment when dancing the inner part of the turn or the outer part. The technique of pointing, resulting body turning less and completing the turn in the following step, is therefore very important. The footwork of flat is often seen ignored by many dancers when dancing the step following the pointing. This is the major reason why some can dance VW beautifully while others less gracefully.





Happy Dancing!
..... to be continued