Gold smooth - vwaltz w/Jan O.

Wow -- first entry in over 2 years. So pleased to be taking smooth class at MIT with Jan Ondrias coaching AND to have my friend R. join me on this fun learning curve!  These notes are from the follower's perspective.

- From closed, back right foot, 5th position break (released closed to just a right hand hold)
- turn into partner (create "window" with hands") for shadow position
- cantor
- hesitation
- me on right side of partner: forward L, forward R, cross L in back, repeat on other feet
-  turn in to left with shape L shape R shape L then shape to right and ready to go forward, now on leader's left side, still in shadow (ha!) The count is L (1-2) R (3) L (1-2-3).
- those crossy thingies again: forward R, forward L, cross R in back, repeat on other feet.
- "like impetus" leader leads the followers R hand down and follow steps forward R, forward L, bring feet together, turn through promenade to closed position.
- open natural etc.


notes on technique: roll shoulder, engage lats -- do it on both sides! (need practice on R side).
my thoughts -- activate the forward side -- release the other side not being stretched.

general smooth techniques in this class: outside of turn and inside of rotation. dance towards partner's center. duh! but so good to hear it again, slightly differently than Russell's harpoon.

So much fun -- but oh my how to get it up to tempo?

Update Feb 25 2015:
-reverse turn 1-2-3 2-2-3
-to shadow
-open natural
-flip flop
-wing
-cantor (backward)
-1-2-3 2-2-3 changing places, shaping mirror image (left hand to right hand, then right and to left hand)
-1-2-3 walk around (step 2 switch head shape to left)
-twinkle out
-a develope somewhere before this section.

--mary