Description

The oldest move in the book that never gets old

Steps

1. Review the cross that they already know
2. Explain that this is similar BUT instead of crossing from a back extension, follower crosses from an open step
3. Help them do the weirdest part for follower: stand split weight in open step, pivot right leg inward, sucking the left leg into the cross
4. Help them do the entire follower’s footwork solo
5. Take a practice hold and lead them in it
6. Lead with on-the-body contact with continuous tone, no arms
7. Add embrace and repeat til it’s pretty consistent
8. Interleave with Rock-Step-Open to practice improvising
9. Help them practice isolating turning ribcage. Hold their hips still as they open right, left.
10. In practice hold sync this ribcage opening/closing to follower’s open, cross.
11. Help them lead it in practice hold
12. Have them practice-lead it on-the-body with embrace
13. Have them interleave it with Rock-Step-Open

Tips

• When first doing it on-the-body, calibrate to 7-8
• Be sure the follower commits weight in the cross. Leader has to turn enough, follower has to be ready!
• Leader’s feet can stay very close to each other overall
• When leading, leader needs to clear legs out of space follower wants to walk into. Have them figure out where to put legs.
• Helps to hold leader’s hips while they practice turning ribcage to right, left. Sync this to follower’s open, cross.
• Watch out! If leader opens ribcage too much, follower turns too far
• Think of final step as a turning a little to leader’s left

Bonus!

• Tap the rhythm: 123 PAUSE 123. Try to dance it in this rhythm!
• Find a more linear version and also a more circular version.
• Follower embellishments: ankle-touches, heel-flex
• Can you lead the whole thing without leader moving feet??

Watch the mission