Many dance teachers choose the Simple Version of this Step Pattern because it is easier to keep the Follower in the slot while traveling and it also prevents the Follower from charging into the Leader on the Anchor. To get the Advanced Version to work correctly the teacher will have to teach the Follower to spot down-slot while traveling and make sure they don't charge into the Leader on the Anchor.
Rhythm Unit Cards: Double, Triple, Triple.
This exercise is danced alone without a partner (Absolute Pattern). Have the Leaders and Followers participate in learning both the Leader's part and the Follower's part. It makes much better Leaders and Followers if the dancers understand each others parts.
Absolute Pattern: Danced Alone.
1 2 3 & 4 5 & 6
[ X X] [ X X X] [ X X X]
L:Foot L R L R L R L R
L:Dir B F T T T T T T
L:F-Pos 4 4 1 1 1 3 3 3
L:Turn >.............1/2 Lt....>
F:Foot R L R L R L R L
F:Dir F F f f f B b T
F:F-Pos 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3
F:Turn >.1/2 Lt>
Verbal:
Both: [1 2] [3 & 4] [5 & 6]
Both: [Step Step] [Step Three Times] [Step Three Times]
Follower: [Fwd Fwd] [Run Run Run] [Bk Bk Tog]
Slot Anchor Everyone use both verbals.
This exercise is danced with a partner (Adjusted Pattern). The Leader's Left Hand is kept at waist level, moving it straight down the slot. The Follower path is directly down the slot under her own power without force from the Leader. The Leader clears the slot by stepping toward his Right Rail on counts [1 2] so the Follower can have room to pass.
Frame: Open Position - L: Lh Lead.
Repeat the previous pattern
Slot Anchor Everyone use both verbals.
In this pattern the Follower executes [Side Cross Side] on counts [3 & 4] and a Coaster Anchor on counts [5 & 6]. It also introduces the concept of the Slot.
Rhythm Unit Cards: Double, Triple, Triple.
This exercise is danced alone without a partner (Absolute Pattern). Have the Leader's and Follower's participate in learning both the Leader's part and the Follower's part. It makes much better Leaders and Followers if the dancers understand each others parts.
Absolute Pattern: Danced Alone.
1 2 3 & 4 5 & 6
[ X X] [ X X X] [ X X X]
L:Foot L R L R L R L R
L:Dir B F T T T T T T
L:F-Pos 4 4 1 1 1 3 3 3
L:Turn >.............1/2 Lt....>
F:Foot R L R L R L R L
F:Dir F F s Xf S B T f <- Xf means cross in front
F:F-Pos 4 4 2 Xf 2 4 4 4 <- Xf means cross in front
F:Turn >.1/4 Lt> >.1/4 Lt>
Verbal:
Both: [1 2] [3 & 4] [5 & 6]
Both: [Step Step] [Step Three Times] [Step Three Times]
Follower: [Fwd Fwd] [Side Cross Side] [Bk Tog Fwd]
Slot Anchor Everyone use both verbals.
If you find Followers crossing in back instead of the front you will normally find they have over turned between counts 2 and 3. That is, they will be doing greater than 1/4 Lt which will prevent them from crossing in front.
This exercise is danced with a partner (Adjusted Pattern). The Leader's Left Hand is kept at waist level, moving it straight down the slot. The Follower path is directly down the slot under her own power without force from the Leader. The Leader clears the slot by stepping toward his Right Rail on counts [1 2] so the Follower can have room to pass.
Frame: Open Position - L: Lh Lead.
Repeat the previous pattern
Slot Anchor Everyone use both verbals.