| Article | : | Dancing Tid-bits Issue #199, Thursday, October, 7, 2004.
Today's Topic: Jive, Promenade Walks
10-12 years ago, I saw Bob and Karen do something at Dance Scene that I vividly recall. They were Swiveling in Promenade Position while doing Swing. I said "Wow" and was so impressed that I asked many colleagues about that step but no one knew what I was talking about. Then as I started my International Bronze Jive it came up soon. Tanya showed it and then I knew these were called Promenade Walks or simply Walks.
For those of you who are just beginners, the patterns goes like this. As you do a LF Rock (RF for the Lady) both of you turn to Promenade Position (PP). The Man keeps his Promenade Poise but now leads the Lady to turn left and do a triple (1a2 or QaQ) RLR almost in closed position. Then he turns her right to lead her to do second triple (3a4 or QaQ) LRL, forward Chasse in PP. She will now do 4 walks 1234 (all Qs), RLRL. She does it by turning "before each step" alternatively. When she steps RF she has turned left and as she steps LF she has turned right about 1/8 to 1/4. She should know that the RF step closes to LF and the LF step is a short forward step. Of course there are other timings and variations but I think this is simple and really good.
Precede and Follows: A nice Precede would be a "Whip" but there is no reason why you cannot do it after a simple Jive Basic known as the 'Fallaway rock'. You can follow the Walks with a Fallaway Throwaway or Change of Places from R to L.
I want to keep this tidbit where it is.Next week I will give you some clues as to what are the common problems and in order for this pattern to look good, a very strict discipline and technique is required. Hopefully in the mean time you can get familiar with feet positions and general appearance of how these walks are done. Also know; what the above Precedes and Follows mean. I would also suggest you talk to your teacher and discuss different types of Walks in Latin (Rumba is a good dance to learn these Walks) and in the least know what is a "Delayed Walk"?
Best Wishes, Max
|
