Ingredients of your BASIC STEP and repeated over and over:
1. Rhythm Count - Use "Slow, Slow, Quick- Quick" (1st foot down right under your hip and hold, 2nd foot down right under your hip and hold, rock back about 6" on the ball of your 1st foot & forward in its original position on your 2nd foot). Another way to think of this is to count the first step "1" and the hold "2", count the second step "3" and the hold "4", and count the rock step back on "5", forward on "6" ! (Yes you could start your Basic Step with the rock step if you want- they do this in some parts of the country, i.e. use "Quick - Quick, Slow, Slow" (rock step 1st - 2nd; 1st foot, 2nd foot))
2. Giving Weight - Adjust your equilibrium and your pull with each partner so that neither one of you pulls or pushes your partner over ! The "boing" which gives the Jitterbug its energy (so that you and your partner can pass one another with every underarm turn) is the "rock step" and it happens on the "5".
3. Hand Position - Followers have the "puppy" hands (bend your fingers at right angles to your palm and point your thumbs toward each other). Leaders have the "lobster" hands (bend your fingers at right angles to your palm and point your thumbs up). Use stiff fingers to hook them with your partner. Never, ever grab your partners hands with your thumbs or fingers- ever. It would totally restrict your ability execute turns under arched arms. Keep your wrists straight, forearms parallel to the floor and stand away from your partner the distance of her forearm and your forearm each maintaining a slightly bent elbow ! Tone up your arms slightly so that you have some connection with your partner- this allows you to leads to be communicated and follows to be on time.
4. Arm Position & Tension - Keep your forearms parallel to the floor. Keep your entire arm toned slightly with your elbows slightly bent hanging naturally at your sides.
5. Foot Work - Leaders start the basic step and all figures on their left foot. Followers start the basic step and all figures on their right foot. Please use small steps ! Large steps take up valuable time and you may not have that luxury as you dance to faster songs. Plus, large steps look dorky and do not produce good "Kodak moments" should someone take a picture of you dancing. Now put your 1st foot down & weight; 2nd foot down & weight; rock step ("rs" - on 1st foot back slightly near your back foot - then rock forward onto your 2nd foot ! ).
6. Music - Here's a snippet of music to practice to. It's from the " Roll Up The Rug" vol. 2 ; Natural Born Lover by Smokin' Joe Kubek (see TRACK 3 to purchase this and other great tunes to benefit PSDS):
That's the basic step we use for most figures in the Jitterbug. There are hundreds of figures to choose from. Take my classes and start the journey !