One thing I've sometimes done (it's a little time consuming so I
don't always) to teach buzzstep is to get everyone in a big circle,
and I "gallop" around the inside of the circle, right foot in front,
and have them gallop (right foot in front, I check that as I go
around) in their big circle. Almost everyone did this as a kid, so
it's familiar. I then break the circle into two, and then into groups
of four, and then into pairs (still in open hand-in-hand position).
And I've been telling them to remember to give weight the whole time.
I'll then get them into ballroom position.
It was only a couple years ago that I figured out what people were
doing wrong when they got buzzstep wrong (or, rather, how best to
correct it)—they're leading with their left foot (which puts them
into a chasse step). And that's not surprising, since it has the same
rhythm as buzzstep, and why wouldn't you lead with your left foot if
you're going clockwise? If you tell them to lead with their right
foot (or "the foot nearer your partner" or "no, the other foot"),
they'll immediately get it right, 'cause they've already got the
rhythm right (though it can sometimes take reminding till muscle
memory takes over).
"Feel of swing": I like my fast-and-then-slow-allemande method of
starting, in my previous post. It really forces the giving-weight
sensation, and it keeps bodies upright.
--Read Weaver
On Sep 1, 2011, at 4:02 PM, Andrea Nettleton wrote:
I teach buzz step, so I tell them that from a facing position, they
slide their R feet forward (weight resting on L) till outsides of
the R feet are lined up pinky toe to arch. on every down beat,
they should land on the ball of that R foot and pivot a quarter
turn or so. They get there by using the L foot, which is now
conveniently in almost the perfect crossed behind position, to push
of with as they would on a skateboard, scooter, or merry-go-round.
. . . . .
Since then I have been trying to find another just as quick way to
communicate the feel of swing. I am open to suggestion.
