Class Notes (follower): 28th June 2009
7th July 2009
Pressure
Followers need to react to variations in pressure, by matching that pressure.
Don't fall backwards if the pressure increases - it's just a signal. To keep the posture, you need to match pressure. Equal and opposite reactions.
Posture
Always ensure your feet are (ideally) 1 foot away from your partner's feet - you need that space to allow movement.
Also, this distance allows you to adopt the correct posture, lengthening your abdomen.
Embrace
Some key points about the embrace:
- There are infinite varieties of embrace, depending on the size / shape of the partner, the music, and the steps you're doing. So keep it flexible.
- Don't pull down on your partner's arms - you have to support your own weight.
- The embrace usually adapts to match the steps - if you're doing ochos, let your hand move freely to match the position you're in.
- Don't pull, or hold tight, with the hand on the leader's back. Contact against the leader should come from your pressure on him, not from pulling him into you.
- The contact is all along the upper body, not just at the top / chest area. The more contact you provide, the easier it is to read the leader's intention.
Walking
- Walk backwards with confidence
- Listen constantly to your leader
- If the lead is not clear, don't move.
- But, trust your instincts.
Dissociation
Key points:
- Dissociate all the time.
- Dissociation powers the trailing leg
- Dissociate to the side of the forwards foot (when walking forwards or back)
- Dissociation is what's used for pivots (ochos)
- Use the lats to dissociate
Other points
Some other miscellaneous points:
- There's a natural "Quick-Quick Slow-Slow" rthythm with giro movements.
- Keep the non-weight-bearing leg as free as possible - don't over-control it
- Relax!
Related articles
- David Bailey, 7th July 2009