Lindy Hop

Tuck Turn from Closed Position

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DEFINITIONS

Tuck

For the follower, a Tuck is approximately a 1/4 Lt turn (CC), across the slot (perpendicular with the slot) - with the follower still staying in the slot. This is executed on count "3." The leader should make sure his lead is appropriate such that the follower is able to step straight forward in the slot away from the leader on count "4."

Turn Technique

An important concept in turn technique is that almost all steps taken in a turn will be inline with the slot. There is an exception on count "3," the "Tuck" part of the "Tuck Turn," which is cross slot. On count "4" the follower will step straight forward in the slot away from the leader. All other turns will be 1/2 turns (180 degrees, stepping inline with the slot, and in the direction of the forward foot. Therefore, to make one full turn, the dancer must make two 1/2 turns, stepping inline with the slot, and in the direction of their forward foot. This allows spotting techniques to be used very simply up or down the slot.

DEMONSTRATE

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

Tuck Turn Step Pattern: Demonstrate the step pattern.

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

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       T  T  T       T     T       T  T  T  

L:F-Pos      4     4       1  1  1       1     1       1  1  1
L:Turn                  




F:Foot       R     L       R  L  R       L     R       L  R  L
F:Dir        B     P       f  P  F       B     F       B  T  f
F:F-Pos      4     4       4  4  4       4     4       4  1  4
F:Turn               .Tuck.> ...*> .1/2Rt>1/2Rt> .1/2Rt>                 * = 1/4Rt (CW)

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

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

SETUP

Frame: Closed Position

PATTERN: Even, Odd, Even, Odd

Practice to the previously defined pattern, but with a partner.

IMPORTANT POINTS

Leader's Lead Technique

The leader will lead the Tuck with his left & right hands on count "3." That is, in an "in and out" movement. However, to lead the first Turn, the leader must raise his left hand up over the follower, keeping it in the direction of the slot, and actually lead the first turn into count "4" with his right hand on the followers shoulder blade. The leader must not attempt to help the follower execute their turns by cranking. Cranking will throw the follower off balance. The leader should just keep their lead hand over the followers head as the follower executes their turns. After count "7" the leader should return their left hand back down to normal lead position.

Follower's Turn Technique

The follower shall execute all moves under their own power. They must not derive any balance from the leader's hand. They must keep their own balance. If they attempt to lean on, or squeeze, the leader's hand, it will throw the follower off balance.

Counts "3 & 4"

It might to be a good idea to practice the steps for these two counts a few times by themselves. It will give the leader a chance to practice the "in and out" lead motion. It will also allow the follower to practice turning "cross slot" on count "3," then stepping into the slot on count "4."

Count "5 6"

After count "4" the follower will execute 1/2 Rt Turn (CW) stepping straight back into the slot on count "5" and then do another 1/2 Rt Turn (CW) stepping straight forward into the slot on count "6."

Counts "7 & 8"

After count "6" the follower will execute another 1/2 Rt Turn (CW)stepping straight back on count "7" of the anchor