DIRECTIONS FOR INTERPRETING DANCES



The dance descriptions that follow are intended for reference after you have learned the dance in class. The same format is used for each, so once you understand the "shorthand" for terminology (defined at the bottom of each page), and the rhythms, directions, and footwork, it should be rather simple to use each as a reminder.

COUNT: This explains how the music is counted. In some descriptions both the "music count" and the "dance count" are given.

DIRECTION: Indicates where you are putting your foot, or where you are going.

Back (Bk):Step straight back.
Close (Cl):Place the designated foot beside the other one. Also means closed position.
CounterCW (CCW):A left turn, or the normal flow of traffic.
Clockwise (CW):A right turn.
Cross (X):Cross-step, diagonally across in front of or behind the supporting foot.
Degrees:The number of degrees you will turn: 90 degrees = 1/4 turn; 180 degrees = 1/2 turn.
Forward (Fwd):Step straight ahead.
Heel (He):Generally, touch the heel forward, backward, or sideward.
Hold (Ho):No weight change, just hold that beat.
Hop (Ho):Leave the floor and land on the same foot.
In Place (IP):Pick the foot up and put it down in the same place.
Kick (Ki):No weight change; (kick) forward, sideward, backward, or across.
Parallel (//):A variation of closed dance position: R// means right hip to right hip; L// means left hip to left hip.
Side (Si):Step out to the side.
Turn (Tu):Turn CCW (left) or CW (right).
Touch (To):Touch the ball of the foot on that count, but do not shift weight on it.

FOOT: Occasionally the word "foot" will replace "weight". In a few dances there is much heel or toe touching, kicking, or holding, and "foot" indicates which foot is doing the action. This foot will be in ( ). The other foot is bearing the weight.

POSITION: Describes what position you should be in when executing certain steps. If the entire pattern is done in one position, this will be designated.

RHYTHM: The rhythm for weight changes is being described here, rather than the music's. In most dances it is written in terms of S's (Slows and Q's (Quicks). Each Slow step can be divided into two Quick steps.

WEIGHT: This tells you which foot you should step on.





Bk=Back     Cl=Close     CCW=CounterCW(L)     CW=Clockwise(R)     FWD=Forward     He=Heel    
Ho=Hop or Hold     IP=In Place     K=Kick     //=Parallel     Si=Side    S-O=Semi-Open    Tn=Turn    
To=Touch     X=Cross 



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