MODERN DANCING

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 47, 18 November 1933, Page 17

MODERN DANCING

Further Descriptions STEPS AND FIGURES (By “Rhythm.”) As was stated in the dancing notes last week, many steps that one formerly looked upon as belonging to one dance only have become suitable to one or more of the other dances. But although the actual step may be the same, its execution differs to suit the atmosphere of the dance in which it is bein' 7 used. It is the appreciation of the points that makes the good dancer. The following list of funda mental figures that are used in all dances should prove of value to both beginners and “old timers.” , , “A Chasse.” —Danced in all forms of fox-trot, including blues, crush, etc., except in slow fox-trot where the three-step

takes its place. It is differently done in each dance. For instance, iu quickstep there is an accent and rise before the chasse, and the first and second quick steps arc small and taken on the ball of the foot, in blues the first step is big with an accent, and it is optional to rise either before a chasse or on the first quick. In crush, if the music is very fast, the chasse is taken iu slow time and there is only a body lift as the feet close. There are also various forms of chasses, such as “cross” and “open.” which again differ in each dance. “Pivots” and “Spins.”—These again are used in all dances. The difference between these is that a pivot is one step .only, taken on a back step, turning either to right or left. Spins are a continuation of turns and although they can be taken to right or left thev are so difficult to do to the left that they are seldom done in that direction. The timing depends on the dance, but is mostly even. “A Twinkle.”—A figure not much in vogue at the moment. It is sometimes danced in blues and is often introduced in new dances. The time niters to suit the dance, but is generally Q.Q.S.

“A Gorte.”—Originally a Tango movement, is now used in all dances. A char acteristic is that the side step is very small, so much so that in the waltz it merges into a hesitation. The timing is

again governed by the dance, but for the fox-trot is mostly S.Q.Q.S. . n “A Rock.” —At the moment it Is chiefly done in the tango. It is a change of weight from foot to foot, not actually a rock of the body. It is a step which crops up in new dances in various forms; it is not very suitable for the flowing standard dances as the rock stops continuous movement. It can be done backward or forward. “A Balance.” —Can be used in variations in any dance. It has a rise at end of first step and drop at end of third. It is danced when backing L.0.D.. starting forward against it. The timing is usually Q.Q.S. Cabaret and Studio. The Majestic Lounge and Cabaret offers excellent entertainment for dancers every afternoon and evening, when Tommy Stratton’s Dance Band plays the latest dance hits, and specialty features are presented.