3 Sways

COURSE: Exploring Axes

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on practicing sways, a subtle movement where weight and axis shift partially between legs without fully transferring, to explore axes in dance.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Distribute weight between left and right legs, swaying with about 60% in one leg and 40% in the other.
• Use the floor actively by pushing with the lower body and engaging the glutes.
• Relax the upper body and let the movement trickle up the spine.
• Transition out of a sway by shifting 100% of weight and axis over one leg to step.
• In partnering, leaders choose steps or sways while followers tune into subtle axis and weight cues.
• Lead the sway from the lower body, not the upper body, to maintain a relaxed connection.

REMEMBER:

• Sways involve keeping the axis between the legs without fully shifting it to one side.
• The movement is active and subtle, requiring engagement of the lower body and glutes.
• Transitions between sways and steps are controlled by conscious weight and axis shifts.
• In partnering, communication occurs through the lower body, with relaxed upper bodies.
• Sways can be practiced in closed embrace or other comfortable positions.
• Enjoy the feeling of the movement and maintain a fun, relaxed approach.