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Basic Sequence: Cha Cha Cha: Part 4

The first basic sequence.

Please Note: This is a sequel to General: Elixir

The basic sequence needs to be practised until one is able to recognise the individual figures as having individual distinct identities. When this happens you would be able to move as you like, with the mood, the need of the situation and instance.

Spot Turn: (Also refer Fig: Directions)
1. This is a modified New York done in the direction of the preceding Chasse, and then during the succeeding Chasse come square to the basic reference direction “B”. The modification is that after the first step of New York (Forward Rock Step) turn to back in the direction of the preceding Chasse. And then step forward (which is the opposite direction of the preceding Chasse) for the second step of the Rock Step. During the succeeding Chasse, turn gradually to face and come square to the basic direction “B”. The direction of the turn is same everywhere that was adopted for the first step of the Rock Step.

2. Start with a Backward Basic. This figure end on 1 with the weight on the Right foot, with the Chasse moving in the direction “C” although one is still facing and is square to the direction “B”. After the count 1 begin to turn to face and come square to the direction “C” and step forward with the Left foot on the count 2, which is the first step of a Rock Step. For the count 3, which is the second step of a Rock Step the movement should be in the direction “A”. Thus immediately after the stepping for the count 2, push with the Left foot to transfer weight onto the Right foot which is retained behind for the count 3. During this transfer of weight from one foot to the other turn to face and come square to the direction “A”. During the succeeding Chasse, turn gradually to face and come square to the direction “B”. (All the turns here are to ones right.)

3. Stand facing and being square to direction “B”, and with the feet slightly apart with the body weight on the Left foot. For the count 2, which is after the count 1 and before the count 2, swivel on the Left foot to the left to face and come square to the direction “A”. Step forward with the Right foot on the count 2, which is the first step of the forward Rock Step. Now turn to the left on the Right foot to face and come square to the direction “C”. Step forward on the Left foot on the count 3 in the direction “C”, which is the second part of the Rock Step. After stepping on the Left foot start to turn gradually to the left towards direction “B”. Thus by the end of the Chasse, “Cha, Cha, 1”, one would be facing and square to Direction “B” as in the start.

4. Practice this figure once after dancing the Basic followed by New York. Thus one should get the practice of Spot Turn starting on the Right and the Left foot.

Note: Dancing the various figures in the particular sequence given should give a better idea of the flow in this dance.

Continued...