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Rumba: Basic Sequence 1

The first basic sequence.

Fan is a modification of the second half of the basic. Both the man and the lady should take care of the gap between the feet when moving to the side for the counts 4,1; such that they are not uncomfortably far from each other, as the postures need to remain absolutely upright and there should not be any sacrifice in the basic steps.

Start position:
Both man and lady stand square, facing each other and in closed hold. Feet are kept apart with a comfortable gap between them with the weight on the Left foot for Man and Right foot for the Lady.

Count 1:
There is no feet movement. At the most to keep the timing with music, the hip could be gently swung to the left side (Man)) and right side (Lady).

Count 2:
Man steps backward with the Right foot and retaining the Left foot in place.
Lady steps forward with the Left foot and at the same time retaining the Right foot in place.

Count 3:
Man transfers body weight on to the Left foot, retaining the Right toes in the same place, behind.
Lady transfers body weight on to the Right foot, retaining the Left toes in the same place, ahead.

For the transfer of weight for this rock step lady would be moving backward and man would be moving forward.
The man taking advantage of this movement assists the lady with a slight push with his Right hand. As soon as the lady begins to move away the man releases the hold with the Right hand, and with the Left hand assists the lady with the turn by keeping it firm and extending it to allow for the open position.
The lady pushes against the man, which assists her to bring the Left foot to the stationary Right foot. As soon as the feet come together the lady swivels on the Right ball at about 90 degrees (1/4 turn) to the left.

Count 4,1:
Man steps on to the Right foot to the side. The gap between the feet depends on the distance between the partners.
Lady steps diagonally backwards on to the Left foot. The gap to be maintained is indicated by the man by guiding by tension in the Left arm (Man) and Right arm (Lady).
The Left foot (Man) and the Right foot (Lady) are retained in place and the toes point comfortably ahead of one’s self.