4 Side to Side Hips

COURSE: blues-moves-family-tree

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on developing side-to-side hip movements in blues dance, including techniques like hip bumps and rock steady, with an emphasis on body mechanics and solo practice.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Start with weight on one foot and release the hip towards the free leg without extra upper body movement.
• For hip bumps, push from the floor by pressing the foot to shift axis and allow the hip to go further.
• In the settling movement, twist the hip slightly behind to protect joints and avoid damaging the outside of the hips.
• Keep knees facing straight forward during hip movements to maintain proper alignment.
• Use the rock steady technique by alternating hip bumps up and down with knee bends for rhythm.
• Practice touch-and-go steps by relaxing the foot into the floor and using foot pressure for added strength.

REMEMBER:

• Maintain a small, controlled movement in hip bumps to avoid losing axis and dance integrity.
• Incorporate slight rotation in hip movements to protect hips and enhance groove.
• Focus on body feel and relaxation, allowing hips to do the work without forcing movements.
• These techniques can be adapted for solo practice and later applied in partnering contexts.
• Experiment with variations like doubles and shapes to keep movements interesting and personalized.
• Timing and foot pressure can vary between movements, so adjust based on the specific technique.