5 Sway Footwork Pattern

COURSE: Exploring Axes

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on the Sway Footwork Pattern, teaching a sequence of two sways and two steps with variations in body movement and partner interaction.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Start with weight on left for followers and right for leads.
• Open the body like a door on the first sway and close slightly on the second.
• Allow relaxation in the spine for softness and delay in the upper body.
• Practice the pattern solo with music to build fluidity.
• In partner work, use relaxed arms and invite rather than force movement.
• Add rotation in sways to create a curvy, rounded feeling.

REMEMBER:

• The step pattern is sway, sway, step, step, repeated with variations.
• Followers move diagonally, not directly forward, during sways.
• Autonomy is important; leaders invite, followers choose to respond.
• Movement can be adjusted in size from subtle to large based on comfort.
• The pattern can be performed in open or closed embrace positions.
• Focus on feeling good in the body and letting the movement roll fluidly.