Choreography For Hi Lo - July 2007

Breaking down choreography is arguably the hardest part of our jobs.

I like to sum up the process by asking these questions:

Where does the movement/combo initiate?

How many counts to finish the move/combo?

What is my body position?

Where does it end?

What is the simplest version of this combo i.e. without directional variations?

What other simpler moves go to the same place?

With this info, choreography can be analyzed and a smooth progression to reach the final result will then be put into place.

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Here is a simple but fun block of Hilo choreography with the progression. The straddle is a step out to the side like a squat and it can be substituted with a Step touch. (As Hi/lo is presently out of favor in Fitness clubs, I keep my class exciting by using fairly simple choreography with tons of action, lots of turns and directions! The breakdown is as much fun as the destination).

Block: Final version

Lead leg counts

A. Straddle side, step out double knee

B. 2 x mambo cha cha moving dynamically laterally

C. 4 GV in a square too front (starting with the side then back of the room then opposite side then facing front)

Breakdown: Straightforward breakdown exc. it is important to emphasize the GV Square as it is directionally challenging and deviates from the known.

Teach 4 grapevines first (they are balanced)

Teach the double knee

Teach the straddle and link with double knees (A)

Introduce B the mambo cha chas

Combine the mambo cha chas and GVs (B+C) – Add directional turn on Grapevines to start with facing left side wall

Repeat A+B+C