1 Changing Direction

COURSE: Side By Side

FOCUS: This lesson teaches the side-by-side variation of changing directions in dance, starting from a closed position and focusing on body turns and shuffling to change direction smoothly.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Leaders should turn their body slightly and face the partner to signal direction changes without pushing with the arm.
• Maintain a nice and close position with the hand on the opposite side of the follower to avoid being too far apart.
• When opening into side-by-side, form a nice open V position and keep weight slightly forwards to facilitate easier traveling.
• Practice with a two-count basic step underneath the body while rotating to change directions.
• To reconnect into closed position, turn again but not completely and place the hand on the follower's left side.

REMEMBER:

• Changing direction involves turning on the spot or traveling, with options to combine both for variation.
• Leaders should use body movement rather than arm pressure to signal turns, releasing the follower to indicate direction changes.
• Maintain forward weight to prevent rock steps and make traveling forwards and backwards smoother.
• The side-by-side variation can be done in place or with traveling, allowing for improvisation and multiple repetitions as desired.