HELP

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. In the beginning, students will probably say "it doesn't feel right." That may be true, but "it is right" and will start to feel right very quickly if they focus on their Absolute Patterns.

The Whip exhibits a rubber band effect on counts [3 & 4]. That is, the woman comes in to the man 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 woman's Anchor on counts [7 & 8].

DEFINITIONS

8 Beat Rhythm Patterns

Introduce 8 beat Rhythm Pattern using Rhythm Unit Cards - Double, Triple, Double, Syncopated Single

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 man's Up Slot is looking at the woman; the woman's Up Slot is looking at the man. Down Slot is in the opposite direction as Up Slot.

DEMONSTRATE

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

Whip Step Pattern: Demonstrate the Whip Step Pattern.

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 man's and woman's part.

PATTERN: Even, Odd, Even, Odd

Count:       1     2       3  &  4       5     6       7  &  8	
        [    X     X] [    X  X  X] [    X     X] [    /  X  /]
M:Foot       L     R       L  R  L       R     L       R  R  L
M:Dir        B     P       S  P  s       S     B       kf b  sl  <-- sl = slap  
M:F-Pos      4     4       2  2  2       2     4       4  4  4
M:Turn       >1/4Rt>           >*>>.1/4Rt>1/4Rt>                 * = 1/4Rt (CW)
M:Spot       U                   D             U


W:Foot       R     L       R  L  R       L     R       L  L  R
W:Dir        F     S       B  T  f       S     B       kf b  sl
W:F-Pos      4     2       4  1  4       2     4       4  4  4
W:Turn       >1/4Rt>..1/4Rt>     >.1/4 Rt>1/4Rt>
W:Spot       U                   D             U

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

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 - M: Lh Lead.

PATTERN: Even, Odd, Even, Odd

Practice to the previously defined Whip pattern.

IMPORTANT POINTS

Slot

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

Frame

M: Rh catch on Count 2, but don't stop ladies rubber band effect.

Spotting

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

Count "2"

The man's right foot will be between the woman's feet.

Count "4"

The woman's right foot will be between the man's feet.