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H. Leon Raper

 

 

West Coast Swing

Left Side Pass

(Straight Count)

This lesson gives the student an experience using Double Rhythm and Triple Rhythm. It introduces the concept of Anchor, Slot and a few other important concepts.

This is also an excellent time to introduce the concepts of Absolute Patterns (danced alone) and Adjusted Patterns (danced with partner). Having students first practice their patterns alone (Absolute Pattern) is an excellent learning strategy. This will help them perform better when first executing the patterns with a partner (Adjusted Pattern).

HELP

DEFINITIONS

Anchor
Is the final Rhythm Unit of any step pattern.
Rock-Step
[back fwd] .... or [step step] - The "Rock" is onto the "Ball of the Foot". The CPB does not go all the way back over the foot on beat 1.
Slot & Rails
In slotted dances, the slot can be thought of as a narrow path between two imaginary rails.
Slot
The woman's path of travel is in the Slot. Her direction is directly through the man.
Rails
The man moves to the rails on either side of the slot to allow the woman to pass.

DEMONSTRATE

Rhythm Unit Cards: Double, Triple, Triple.

E X E R C I S E
(Left Side Pass)

The Leder keeps the lead hand (Left Hand) at waist level, moving it straight down the slot. The Leader does not use force. The Follower must get down the slot under their own power. The Follower travels straight down the slot directly through the position where the Leader was at the beginning of the Step Pattern. The Leader clears the slot by stepping toward his Right Rail on counts [1 2] so the Follower can have room to pass.

SETUP

Open Position with Leader's Lh lead

PATTERN - Even, Odd, Odd

Shorthand Terms

Leader

   
EVEN
ODD
ODD
Count
&
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
&
5
&
6
Rhythm
X
X
X
x
X
X
x
X
Foot
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
Direction
B
P
T
s
T
T
T
T
Slot/Rails
=
B
B
=
=
=
=
=
Foot Pos
4
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
Turn   > 1/4L >     > 1/4L >          

Shorthand Terms

Follower

   
EVEN
ODD
ODD
Count
&
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
&
5
&
6
Rhythm
X
X
X
x
X
X
x
X
Foot
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
Direction
F
F
f
f
f
T
T
T
Foot Pos
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
Turn                 >   1/2L >    

Verbal: [Step Step] [Step Three Times] [Step Three Times]

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

IMPORTANT POINTS

Everyone use both verbals
Slot & Rails
Anchor
Spotting: Have the Follower spot down LOD thru count "4", execute 1/2 turn into count "5", then spot in the direction of the Leader.

 

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