Explain that this is similar BUT instead of crossing from a back extension, follower crosses from an open step
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
Help them do the entire follower’s footwork solo
Take a practice hold and lead them in it
Lead with on-the-body contact with continuous tone, no arms
Add embrace and repeat til it’s pretty consistent
Interleave with Rock-Step-Open to practice improvising
Help them practice isolating turning ribcage. Hold their hips still as they open right, left.
In practice hold sync this ribcage opening/closing to follower’s open, cross.
Help them lead it in practice hold
Have them practice-lead it on-the-body with embrace
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
Fixes? Questions? Feedback?
If you have suggestions for improving this mission, please submit an issue on GitHub and include the mission number. For anything else incluing new mission ideas, sharing your experience, or your interest in learning to teach this manual, get in touch via email.
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