4 Cross Steps： Leaders

COURSE: chicago-triple-vol-ii-improvisation-musicality

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on teaching leaders how to perform cross steps in Chicago Triple, emphasizing isolation of connection points to maintain dance quality and flow without leading followers into variations.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Isolate your arm from your body when crossing forward or back to avoid pulling the follower.
• Keep steps small and under your body during cross steps.
• Start crossing on the one count to maintain rhythm and timing.
• Maintain a soft, relaxed arm connection with your partner.
• Experiment with crossing forward or back on either leg while rotating clockwise.
• Use compression to cross back with the left foot and stretch to cross forward with the right.

REMEMBER:

• Leaders should isolate connection points to prevent leading followers into unintended variations.
• Maintain the aesthetic, pulse, and groove of Chicago Triple throughout the dance.
• Followers provide feedback through their body to help leaders adjust their isolation.
• Cross steps can be performed in any direction, adapting to the dance's flow and energy.
• Quality of movement is prioritized over complexity in cross step variations.
• Practice crossing with both legs to build versatility and natural movement.