Raper's
Dance Corner

West Coast Swing

Whip

(Straight Count)

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 Follower comes in to the Leader 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 Follower's Anchor on counts [7 & 8].

DEFINITIONS

 

 

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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 [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

Shorthand Terms

Leader

EVEN

ODD

EVEN

ODD

Count

&

1

&

2

&

3

&

4

&

5

&

6

&

7

&

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

Turn

>

1/4R

>>

1/4R

>>

1/4R

>>

1/4R

>

Shorthand Terms

Follower

EVEN

ODD

EVEN

ODD

Count

&

1

&

2

&

3

&

4

&

5

&

6

&

7

&

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

Turn

>

1/4R

>>

1/4R

>

>

1/4R

>>

1/4R

>

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

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IMPORTANT POINTS

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