Leading Oppositional Movement
Oppositional movement occurs when two partners move in opposite directions,
such as they do during a Rock Step in East Coast Swing or Jive.
<Step 1: Establish a weight connection.
Step 2: Push away with arms (subtle). >
Step 3: Move in opposite direction. >
The technique for leading of oppositional
movement is slightly different than that of leading basic directional movement,
where partners move in the same direction. In order to lead oppositional
movement, a slight and momentary push or pull "impulse" from the arms and hands
is necessary. Otherwise, the follower would move in the same direction as the
leader. Still, the pushing or pulling impulse of the arms and hands is not a
substitute for the weight connection altogether. The weight connection must
still happen before the impulse.
Use of Arms
When used properly, the arms and hands can
aid in leading oppositional movement. But what exactly is "proper" use of arms
and hands? What makes the use of arms an aid, as opposed to a distraction? Here
are a few hints:
1. The weight connection must still be established, first.
2. The impulse should be a subtle action, not a strong yank or shove.
3. Instead of pushing the connection away from your body, push your body away from
the connection. This is important enough to repeat, so here goes...
Instead of pushing the connection away from your body, push your body
away from the connection.
But while this may seem logical enough, it's surprising how many followers don't
quite get it right. The most common mistake is to react to the feeling of push
by taking a back step, or to react to the feeling of pull by taking a forward
step. Remember, the leader's invitation to push or pull is not an indication
of where to move. It is merely an attempt to establish a weight connection
toward or away from each other.
So when you feel the leader's weight
shifting toward you, you should shift your weight towards him. Don't actually
take a step. Before you can take a step, the following conditions must be met:
1. You've both shifted towards or away from each other, and you can clearly feel
each other's body weight.
2. Through this weight connection, you actually feel him take a step.
To take a step before you establish the weight connection is to second-guess the
leader's intentions, which you now know is an ineffective and error-prone method.
Think of the connection as a fixed point in space. In order to step back, push your
body away from the connection. Leaders -- this applies to you, too! You do not
need to literally push your partner backwards. The follower will respond to the
impulse resulting when you push your own weight backwards.
NEXT SECTION -->