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Foxtrot: Basic Sequence: Turn Details: Part 7

The first basic sequence.

Please Note: This is a sequel to Foxtrot: Basic Sequence: Part 3

A top spins around its own axis and stands on a point. This is the basic principle needed for all turns, and it becomes especially critical when with a partner. Here we will endeavour to analyse this movement in details and a few more. In the picture, the axis is the short red vertical line above and below the top.

The pivot point of the top should pass through the vertical axis of the top.
Similarly, the head and the upper body should be erect through out the turning movement. Thus, when turning alone the vertical axis should pass from the head, middle and slightly towards the backbone of the chest and hip, flexed knees and through the ball of the foot.

However when turning with a partner there are two options.
A) The first option is turning on the spot, which would require the vertical axis to pass from the centre of both the partners, as shown in the picture (top rotating). In this case both the partners would be on be on the ball of the foot. Man is usually heavier than a lady due to the higher density of bone structure, which would require the lady to tilt a little more backwards to counter balance the man’s weight.

B) The second option is the progressive turn, which would require the shifting of the vertical axis more towards the person moving back or the one doing the inside turning. This would help the one to swing across the partner, using the partner as an ‘anchor’. Thus, the one who is the ‘anchor’ is on the heel and the partner on the ball of the foot.

This is similar to the Indian game of ‘Kho Kho’ which has two poles around either of which the participants can swing around and change the direction of movement. In the practice session of the sport of football, for example, you would notice players who would run to the goal post (there is no net) and holding it would swing around it.

In day to day activities, for example, what would be the technique to shift a not-so-heavy object, which is difficult to drag or roll? In such a case one would hold the object, let the body tilt backwards and heave at the object, and swing it across. Near about half way through the movement release the force and in turn use the momentum of the object to go across it.

It is the same principle when starting in the sport Hammer Throw or Discus Throw.

Slight Pauses?
This is the principle used in dancing too, especially when turning. The man uses ‘Force’ to makes the partner swing. As the swing gets under way, the man would remove the force and in turn use the momentum of the partner for his own movement. Slight pauses produced in the actions go unnoticed for two reasons. One reason is that the pauses are very momentary and the second reason is that although there is a pause it is only for one partner, the other is moving, which gives the illusion on continuous movement.

Symmetry of the top.
The posture needs to be very steady especially when turning. Which means how is the head position; the arm position, erect back and both the partners should remain square to one another.

Speeds
There is always a particular minimum speed of rotation and in the direction of the flow of movement; and it keeps changing from person to person and from time to time. This aspect can be realised only by practise. So initially it is a good idea to begin with a speed at which the turns are effective. Pause shortly after the turn to catch up with the beat. Later one should try to reduce the speeds as much as possible, which would give it the look of easy, smooth and unhurried movement.

Rise when turning.
To make the turns move easily, one should be weightless as possible. It gives a good sense of fun as well.

In a Giant Wheel, it is more fun when coming down. This is because the ‘floor’ is moving down, in line with the force of gravity. It is the case of the thrill in a lift when descending. However, when dancing the floor is not going to move downwards so we need to lift ‘off’ not off the floor but the feel of a strong rise in the body by straightening the knees. This straightening of the knees is after the partner moving back has begun the tilt.

Note:
1. Even if you do not hone your skills with such turns given here, you can nevertheless progress. However, it is important to understand this. Which then would remain at the back of the mind and it would act subconsciously every time when practising.
2. Also the turn here is Reverse Turn or the turn to the Left, is a general one, to understand the principle of turning. This principle is generally the same irrespective of the type of dance or the type of figure in any dance that involves turning.
3. The Natural Turn or the turn to the Right is similar to this one. The only difference being, the one moving forward starts with the Right foot and the partner starts with the Left foot backwards, and the turn is to the Right.
4. One should know the turns moving forward and backward with either foot.