Ok, so what's a Push Break? It is kin to the Sugar Push, but in the Sugar Push you do a Delayed Single Rhythm Unit [touch step] on counts [3 4] where the Push Break uses a Triple Rhythm Unit [step three times] on counts [3 & 4].
This exercise helps train both the man and woman to use equal compression on counts [3 & 4]. If either has Spaghetti Arms, then they will crash into each other. Also, if either dancer uses more resistance than the other the pattern will not execute smoothly. Their hands should remain in contact throughout the entire exercise.
Rhythm Unit Cards: Double, Triple, Syncopated Single.
"&a3": Compression Resistance - CPB's move toward each other.
"&a4": Compression Resistance - CBP's move away from each other.
There are several reasons behind this exercise: (1) It allows the man a slight tension lead on counts [&a1 &a2] with his little fingers, but prevents him from using any force. (2) It forces the woman to move under her own power without pulling herself into the man. (3) It also requires both man and woman to use equal compression on counts [&a3 &a4].
Frame: Open Position - 2-Hand Lead - Hands Up, Palm to Palm, with the man's little fingers wrapped around the outside of the woman's hand.
1 & 2 3 & 4 5 & 6 [ X X] [ X X X] [ / X /] M:Foot L R L R L R R L M:Dir B B T T F kf b sl <-- sl = slap M:F-Pos 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 W:Foot R L R L R L L R W:Dir F F T T B kf b sl W:F-Pos 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4
Verbal: [step step] [step three times] [kick step slap]
Verbal: [1 2] [3 & 4] [5 & 6]
"&a3": Compression Resistance - CPB's move toward each other.
"&a4": Compression Resistance - CBP's move away from each other.
"Spaghetti Arms": NOT.
Now we finally get to doing a real Push Break. Keep in mind this is a learning exercise. After the dancers get use to doing a Push Break, the man will shorten up his footwork on counts [1 2] to where he hardly moves at all. To teach the man that technique from the beginning will do nothing but lengthen the learning process and cause him a great deal of confusion.
Frame Open Position - 2-Hand Lead.
Same as previous exercise, but using a normal 2 Hand Lead.
This exercise will teach the man how to exit the Push Break and get ready for another pattern.
Same as previous exercises but dropping M:Rh after count 4 - leaving dancers in Open Position with a One Hand Lead.