1. understand that all dances are inter-related. A 5th position break is a 5th is a 5th, no matter the dance.
2. because of this interrelation we tend to use the same language and therefore the same abbreviations. If you try to write your notes like a paragraph, you'll soon get tired of taking notes! Use shortcuts.
3. get familiar with the "elf" and the "arf".......(LF) (RF)
FOOTWORK
LF = left foot RF = right foot LH = left hand RH = right hand
DIRECTION:
L = left R = right < = turn left (counterclockwise) > = turn right (clockwise)
Fwd = forward Bk = back Side Diag = diagonally Tog = together
TIMING
S = slow or 2 beats of music Q = quick or 1 beat of music & = half beat
BASIC TANGO WALK
LF fwd S
RF fwd S
LF fwd Q
RF side Q
LF tog, but do not change weight S
That was pretty simple, huh? If you add the beats, the Slow's and the Quick's, you'll see that the basic Tango takes 8 beats of music, also known as a phrase.
Let's try another 8-beat Basic, the RHUMBA BOX
LF fwd S
RF side Q
LF tog Q
RF bk S
LF side Q
RF tog Q
That was pretty straight forward too. Let's try another 8-beat Basic, this time for SALSA
LF fwd Q
RF in place Q
LF side S
RF bk Q
LF in place Q
RF side S
You'll notice that the timing for Rhumba and the timing for Salsa are very similar. That's because they are both Latin dances and derive from the same rhythm family. If the musicians are playing something slow and romantic you'll want to use a Rhumba Box. If the music is faster and more upbeat, with lots of percussion, you'll want to use the Salsa Basic.
As you progress in your dancing beyond basics, the patterns become amalgamations of those basics. Remember, a 5th is a 5th is a 5th!!!
BACK SPOT & OS - Can you guess which dance?
QQS QQS LRL RLR 1 Basic
QQS LRL Open Break - begin Back Spot on the "S"
QQS RLR Walk under your own LH to end in Open Latin position
QQS LRL Open Latin Walks back
QQS RLR Continue walks back, ending in Closed on the "S"
QQS LRL 5th
Exit with UA........or......back to Basic........OR any pattern beginning with a 5th
HELPFUL HINTS:
1. The best time to take notes is during class or immediately after class when your memory is best.
2. Writing out a pattern reinforces what you have just learned. You have not only physically practiced the pattern in class, now you have also practiced the pattern mentally.
3. Although you may feel confident that you know what you learned in class, will you be able to recall it correctly months later? For this reason, it is important that you not make up your own count!! Saying in your head "123" for Rhumba counts how many times your feet move, but has no relation at all to the music or the rhythm of the dance. You may use a number count rather than slow's & quick's if you prefer, as long as you remember to include the beats of music that you hold (don't move).
4. All patterns should be written from the Man's point of view since he has to know it to lead it. Many times the Lady is simply doing the natural opposite, but if she has an extra move (like an underarm turn) you may want to write out her footwork as well.
5. When you first start trying to write down patterns, it will take you awhile to think it out. But you'll find that with practice it only takes a few moments.
