10 Fishtail

COURSE: hip-action

FOCUS: This lesson teaches the fishtail, a versatile hip-action move focusing on rotating the lower body while keeping the upper body stable, with variations in texture and practice tips.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Start with weight on the right, step back on the left while rotating to the corner, and keep weight in the heel.
• Practice against a wall with hands placed wider than shoulders to keep the upper body facing forwards.
• Swing the hip back as you step down, emphasizing the butt cheek movement for the fishtail effect.
• Keep steps small and under the body to better show the hips, avoiding large steps that disrupt balance.
• Maintain a double pulse for a groovy feel or smooth it out by removing the pulse for a different texture.

REMEMBER:

• The fishtail involves rotating the lower body independently while the upper body stays forward, creating a twist in the center.
• Focus on the hips and tail to give the move its name, with emphasis on swinging the butt back during steps.
• Use the fishtail as a substitution for basic steps in dancing, adapting it to different rhythms and styles.
• Practice with a wall to control step width and maintain proper upper body alignment for better technique.