---
title: 17 What is Cuttin%5F
description: 
published: true
date: 2026-04-28T08:02:00.567Z
tags: Blues
editor: markdown
dateCreated: 2026-04-28T08:02:00.567Z
---

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## FOCUS 
- This lesson introduces cutting as a competitive yet collaborative dance style that builds on riffing, aiming to transition dancers into a more contest-like interaction while fostering community and personal growth.
## TIP & TRICKS:
- Take your space effectively when entering the circle or dance area during cutting.
- Use all riffing tools like paying attention to your partner, but with a competitive intention.
- Be mindful of your body to avoid injury, especially if escalating moves quickly.
- Practice artful imitation to compete by going beyond the last performer in your own terms.
- Allow adrenaline and inspiration from your partner to try new moves you've never done before.

##REMEMBER
- Cutting is a friendly competition that aims to bring each other up, not cut down, creating solidarity and kinship.
- The subtle difference from riffing is the competitive nature, where you aim to one-up your partner in an artful way.
- It pushes you to be a better dancer through mutual inspiration and escalation of moves.
- Approach cutting as an art form that enhances community, not as a scary competition.
- Ensure you are familiar with your body's limits to dance safely to the excitement point, not injury.
