A personal story:

When I started taking classes in choreographed Step and Hi/lo, I was one of those people that when the instructor went one way, I went the other. When the instructor cued right and left, I had to think about it. I have a very poor sense of where is my right and left as I think I may be slightly ambidextrous (at least that is how I have justified it).

When I started teaching, the problem became acute because in Step and Hi/lo, ten years ago, most of us were cueing directions: right and left as well as tap changes. At that time, to help myself, I would have to draw a “L” for left side and a “R” for right side on the floor to remember which side was which.

Since then, I have spent lots of time in the studio figuring out ways where I would not have to cue the lead leg or remember which leg to switch to. This led me to a whole new approach to choreography building and teaching…

For me choreography is a creative expression. I like to marry movements that I know feel good together and move nicely one into the other. We always know when this is not the case. When the choreography is awkward, all is affected: your cueing, your energy and the way you motivate your group.

Therefore, with that in mind, when you compose new choreography, work out the kinks in Studio time, then spend a good deal of time thinking about the best way to break it down. Finally, re-evaluate both these things after you give your class. Remember, it is probably more useful to keep an eye on those participants who are new and whether they can follow, than it is to depend on reviews from your regulars who often know you too well. Here is a simple, fun and smooth block of Step choreography

· 2 x shuffle turn (8cts)

· Double knee, stomp, stomp (12 cts)

Up lunges 2x facing side going to the front of the Step and turn on the floor in Front (8 cts), 1 x over the top turning: “1/2 revolving door” (4cts)

Repeat Left lead

This block is tap free and automatically changes the lead leg. The turning on the floor in the lunges and the over the top keeps fluidity and you don’t ever have to cue right or left. This block is so easy to breakdown as the shuffle turns are lead leg changing. The double knee and stomp, stomp does not automatically change lead legs. It can be taught on one side then added to the shuffles to change to the other lead. Do use the shuffles to help you breakdown with balance so that the double knee, stomp, stomp gets equal reps.

The revolving doors are taught separately i.e. first the up 2 x lunges turning, then the over turns, and then you reduce and combine.

e-mail me with any questions

“Follow your passion, and success will follow you.” ~Arthur Buddhold

“Dream is the spark of passion; talent is the firework of its expression; perseverance, the sacred fire of its accomplishment.” Daniel Chabot