0 Weight v Axis

COURSE: Exploring Axes

FOCUS: This lesson introduces the difference between weight shift and axis shift, focusing on how to shift weight and axis separately or together to improve movement clarity and communication in dance.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Shift weight every beat, two beats, or four beats to explore different timings.
• Keep your leg under your body to maintain a narrow and clean axis.
• Add acceleration by shifting weight and axis on the first beat and gathering for the remaining beats.
• Practice with music to feel the rhythm and flow of shifts.
• When dancing partnered, leaders should choose the tempo clearly to communicate axis shifts effectively.

REMEMBER:

• Axis is a column of balance; weight can shift without changing axis.
• Axis shifts involve the body moving through space as weight transfers.
• Consistency and smoothness in movement enhance clarity and communication.
• Axis shifts do not need to be big to be clear and effective.