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H. Leon Raper

 

 

West Coast Swing

Whip

(Rolling Count)

This is probably the most interesting of all of the basic Step Patterns. If students really learn their Absolute Patterns (danced alone) 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 Follower comes into the Leader on counts [&a1 &a2]. Then there is a rubber band effect that occurs during counts [&a3 &a4]. That is, by count "3" the rubber band that has reached its maximum stretch and the Follower will spring back to the Leader by count "4". The Follower then continues away from the Leader on counts [&a5 &a6] into the Anchor on counts [&a7 &a8]. All the Follower's travel is in the Slot having a path directly thru the Leader. The Leader will move to clear the slot for the Follower.

HELP

DEFINITIONS

8 Beat Rhythm Patterns
Introduce 8 beat Rhythm Pattern using Rhythm Unit Cards.
Spotting
Click on link to see definition in Raper's Dance Dictionary

DEMONSTRATE

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

Whip Step Pattern: Demonstrate the Whip Step Pattern.


E X E R C I S E

Please be aware that the most critical part of this Step Pattern are counts [&a3 &a4][&a5 &a6]. It is highly recommended that all students practice both the Leader's and Follower's part so they understand what each other feels.

SETUP

Frame: Open Position - Leader: Lh Lead

Pattern: Even, Odd, Even, Odd

Shorthand Terms

Leader

   
Count
&
a
1
&
a
2
&
a
3
&
a
4
&
a
5
&
a
6
&
a
7
&
a
8
Rhythm
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
x
X
Foot
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
Direction
B
P
S
P
S
S
B
T
T
T
Slot/Rails
<
<
<
<
>
<
=
=
=
=
Foot Pos
4
4
2
2
2
2
4
1
1
3
Turns
>
1/4R
>>
1/4R
>
1/4R
>>
1/4R
>

Shorthand Terms

Follower

   
Count
&
a
1
&
a
2
&
a
3
&
a
4
&
a
5
&
a
6
&
a
7
&
a
8
Rhythm
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
x
X
Foot
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
Direction
F
S
B
T
F
S
B
T
T
T
Foot Pos
4
2
4
1
4
2
4
1
1
3
Turns
>
1/4R
>>
1/4R
>
>
1/4R
>>
1/4R
>

 

Verbal:
[&a1 &a2] [&a3 &a4] [&a5 &a6] [&a7 &a8] or

[&aStep &aStep] [&aStep &StepStep] [&aStep &aStep] [&aStep &StepStep]

IMPORTANT POINTS

Slot & Rails
The Follower's path will be directly through the Leader who will use the Rails to clear the Slot for the Follower.
Frame
Leader: Rh connection with Follower on count 2, but don't stop the Follower's travel down the slot.
Spotting
Should be done up or down the slot.
Count "2"
The Leader's right foot will be pointing at an angle between the Follower's feet.
Count "4"
The Follower's right foot will be between the Leaders's feet.

Technical Stuff

 

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