| DESCRIPTION OF DEAN’S CLASSES: WHAT LEVEL CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME? A lot of discussion is taking place as to which level of dance folks are going to be most comfortable dancing. Some folks have been dancing at a level for years and are very happy doing so. Others want a constant challenge to learn new steps and new dances. While still others simply can’t get enough of the challenging dances and practice on their own to master them! Starting in January, Dean would like to offer three levels of dance classes. Wednesday night – Novice/Low Beginner Thursday night – Intermediate/Advanced/Newline Early Thursday night – Beginner/Step Up to Low Intermediate We have “borrowed” and revised Michael Taylor’s levels of descriptions to fit Dean’s classes and we're including them below so you can know what to expect at each of these classes. If you have any questions, please contact Dean. He can help you find your way to a class you will enjoy! Novice/Low Beginner Class The total number of counts within the dance not to exceed 32 A dance at this level will not contain Tags, Bridges or Restarts. The dance can be up to 4 walls (though it is recommended that a two wall is better to learn at first) Steps or Step Combinations within Novice level could include: Grapevine,Note: The Grapevine should (at this stage) have as the fourth step a stomp, touch or a scuff. Walk Forward. Walk Backward Heel Dig Step Together/In Place. Toe Touch (next to.... only)
Heel Swing Knee Hitch (at latter stage). Hook (at latter stage) Heel Splits Rock Forward. Rock Backward. Steps or Step Combinations within Low Beginner level could include: ·A simple Weave pattern (three counts) - which is slightly different to the grapevine (already covered) A NON Pivot 1/4 Turn (example: Grapevine with a 1/4 Turn, Jazz Box with a 1/4 Turn) Forward Toe Strut. Side Toe Touch On the spot Triple Step (cha-cha's) - To teach very simple syncopation and where they remain in an upright position. Another form of simple introductory syncopation is the side 'Hip Bump'. Beginner/ Step-Up to Low Intermediate The total number of counts within the dance not to exceed 36 - and at the latter stages 48 Steps or Step Combinations within Beginner level could include: Pivot 1/4 Turn Pivot 1/2 Turn Introduction of Pivot Turns opposite to 'Line Of Dance' - at latter stages (example: Dance is clockwise- Pivot Turn is ANTI clockwise) 1/4 Turn Monterey (2 count: side-turn/together) 1/2 turn Monterey Turn (2 count: side-turn/together) - at latter stages Single count 1/2 Turn. On the spot 1/2 Turn Triple Step (Cha Cha's) Side Rock. Backward Toe Strut Side/Crossing Toe Strut Coaster Step, Chasse, Sailor Step - as a three count combination. Then later as a syncopation. Forward Shuffle. Backward Shuffle. Crossing Shuffle Grapevine - Extended Weave - Extended Cross and Unwind 1/2 turn step combination. Kick Ball change. Heel Switch (single and double) Side Foot Switch Forward Step Lockstep Reverse Step Lockstep A forward shuffle that incorporates a 1/4 or 1/2 turn inclusive and prior to the first movement. Within this level there is no limitation on the number of turns but caution is requested not to exceed what the dancer is capable of achieving both comfortably and safely. NOTE: A very simple and easily recognizable Tag not exceeding more than 8 counts may be introduced at latter stages of level. A dance at this level will not contain Bridges or Restarts or multiples of Tags. Steps or combinations in Low Intermediate Level could include: Vaudevilles (1/2 and full) Forward Diagonal Shuffle Backward Diagonal Shuffle. Turning Shuffle - where the turn is incorporated into steps 1 and 2 (in reality a turning Chasse) at latter stages Reverse Cross Shuffle Rolling Grapevine Grapevine - with Syncopation Weave - with Syncopation On the spot 3/4 and Full Turn Triple Steps (Cha Cha's) Traveling Sailor Step Turning Sailor Step Turning Coaster Step Combination Turns i.e. 1/2 Pivot followed immediately by a 1/4 Pivot Staggered full turn (i.e. a full turn over 3 or possibly 2 counts). Cross and Unwind 3/4 turn step combination. The introduction of a very simple and musically well-defined phrased dance of the A-B variety Within this level there is no limitation on the number of turns but caution is requested not to exceed what the dancer is capable of achieving both comfortably and safely. A single Tag not exceeding 8 counts could be included within the dance, this being relatively simple and musically well-defined Also a Restart may be introduced within this level, no further than the first section of the dance - and at a later stage, the second or third section. Introduction of the Bridge - though this should not be introduced into a dance where there is already a Tag or Restart or both. The introduction of secondary upper limb or head movement to create a visual expression within certain dances (i.e. Shimmies). Intermediate/Advanced/Newline A dance at Intermediate level should not exceed 64 counts. Steps or Step Combinations within Intermediate level could include: Apple-Jacks Full Turn over a single count Cross and Unwind full turn step combination It is expected, though not a requirement that at this stage the step combinations become less repetitive and 'more variety' would become more in evidence. Within this level there is no limitation on the number of turns. Dances within this level will also allow for the introduction of more secondary upper limb and head movements to enhance a particular movement. These same movements may also be an integral part of the dance which affords its own count much in the way that a 'hand clap' is sometimes used as a count on its own even within the Novice Levels. These movements will, of course be more contrived than a simple handclap. The introduction of slightly more elaborately phrased dances - though not exceeding an A-B-C status (which may or may not exceed the cut off point for counts within the level). Up to two Tags not exceeding 8 counts each and a single Restart. - Or 3 Tags and no Restart - Or 1 Tag and 2 Restarts A Restart would be permitted anywhere within the dance A Bridge not exceeding 16 counts could be included within the dance only if there are no Tags - a single restart is permitted. Steps or Step Combinations within Advanced level could include:- It could be assumed that there should be no cut off point as to the number counts within a dance at this level. This being the case then the dance would only be achieved by a select few dancers - even within the Advanced dancer ranks. It is envisaged that dance within Advanced level could have the following - Multiple Restarts and or Tags Phrased dances exceeding A-B-C Multiple sequences of turns/intricate steps to faster music Newline Dances are “funkier” with lots of hand, head and body movements, usually done to contemporary, pop or rap music. The movements are intricate and the step combinations are comparable to “hip hop” moves in most dances. |