This is probably the most interesting of all of the basic Step Patterns. If students really learn their Absolute Patterns then they will have no trouble executing the Whip. If they don't learn their Absolute Patterns then learning the Whip can turn into their worst nightmare.

The Whip exhibits a rubber band effect on counts [3 & 4]. That is, the Follower comes in to the Leader on counts [1 2], and like a rubber band that has reached its maximum length on counts "3" starts changing direction on counts "&4" and whips back in the direction from whence it came on counts [5 & 6] into the Follower's Anchor on counts [7 & 8].

DEFINITIONS

8 Beat Rhythm Patterns

Introduce 8 beat Rhythm Pattern using Rhythm Unit Cards.

Spotting - Up Slot ("U") and Down ("D") Slot

Up and Down Slot is from the perspective of the dancer at the beginning of the Step Pattern. This is defined for patterns starting in open position. Prior to starting a pattern, the Leader's Up Slot is looking at the Follower; the Follower's Up Slot is looking at the Leader. Down Slot is in the opposite direction as Up Slot.

DEMONSTRATE

Pattern (Cards): Double, Triple, Double, Triple.

Whip Step Pattern: Demonstrate the Whip Step Pattern.

HELP

E X E R C I S E - Absolute Pattern - No Music

Please be aware that the most critical part of this Step Pattern are counts [3 & 4] [5 6]. It is highly recommended that all students practice both the Leader's and Follower's part.

PATTERN: Even, Odd, Even, Odd

Count:       1     2       3   &   4       5     6       7   &   8	
        [    X     X] [    X   X   X] [    X     X] [    X   X   X]

L:Foot       L     R       L   R   L       R     L       R   L   R
L:Dir        B     P       S   P   s       S     B       T   T   T  
L:F-Pos      4     4       2   2   2       2     4       3   3   3
L:Turn       >........1/4Rt>  1/4Rt>  1/4Rt>1/4Rt>




F:Foot       R     L       R   L   R       L     R       L   R   L
F:Dir        F     S       B   T   f       S     B       b   T   f
F:F-Pos      4     2       4   1   4       2     4       4   1   4
F:Turn       >1/4Rt>..1/4Rt>        .1/4 Rt>1/4Rt>

Verbal:
Both: [1 2] [3 & 4] [5 6] [7 & 8]
Leader: [Bk Fwd] [Side Place Side] [Side Bk] [Tog Tog Tog]
Follower: [Fwd Side] [Bk Tog Fwd] [Side Back] [Bk Tog Fwd]

E X E R C I S E - Adjusted Pattern - With or without Music

If necessary, the Dancers can completely stop on certain counts to make sure their Adjusted Pattern reflects what they learned in their Absolute Pattern.

SETUP

Frame: Open Position - L: Lh Lead.

PATTERN: Even, Odd, Even, Odd

Practice to the previously defined Whip pattern.

IMPORTANT POINTS

Slot

The Follower's path will be directly through the Leader. He will use the Rails to clear the Slot for the Follower.

Frame

L: Rh catch on Count 2, but don't stop Follower's rubber band effect going into counts 3 & 4

Spotting

This is something that can be added later to make a very exciting whip.

Count "2"

The Leader's right foot will be between the Follower's feet.

Count "4"

The Follower's right foot will be between the Leader's feet.

ADDITIONAL POINTS

Leader's body and foot position on Count 2: The Leader will have made about a 1/8 turn Rt and his Rt Foot will be between the Followers feet on count 2.

Leader's Rt Foot on Counts 2 thru 4: The leader should think of a long nail being driven through the ball of his foot on count two. His foot can turn and slide up and down on the nail but can not move horizontally. That is, the Leader's foot stays where it is horizontally on counts 2 thru 4.

Follower's footwork on Counts 1,2 and 5,6: The Follower steps [Forward Side] on counts 1,2 and [Side Back] on counts 5,6. Ask test questions to make sure the follower can recite this at any time.

Both danceres footwork on Counts 5,6: Both dancers will step [Side Back] on counts 5,6.