FP couple Turn (T) stps are QT (¼T) see *Rule of Turns*, & T in direction

 of Drive ft unless specified otherwise*

CP> Fwd-LT>c  +CP>c = Fwd-L ¼ LTrn-Fc coh.

CP> = CP dance line.   CP< = CP RLOD

> = dance line,        < = < dance line

+ = end/blend.    +> = end dance line.   +<= end Rev dance line. 

+/w> = end diag wall dance line.    +\w< = diag wall rlod.

+\c< = diag coh rlod.

 

 

                T

 

T.  Toe.  Ball.

 

T-F, T/F.  Toe to flat.  Ball to flat.

 

T-H, T/H.  Toe to heel.  ball to heel.

 

ta ra ra boom de ay.  6-meas 4/4 time fig.  FP>w wgt-R: Sd-L, cls-R, Sd-L,

  cls-R; Sd-L, - , Sd-R, cls-L;  Sd-R, cls-L, Sd-R, - OP>; Run-L, R, L,

  swg-R; Bk-R, Bk-LT fc ptr, Sd-RT fc<, swg-L; Bk-LT fc ptr, swg-R thru,

  Sd-R, swg-R thru;.

 

tag.  End phrase or meas of dance.

 

tailgate.  Dance too close beh a couple.  Tailgating is rude, discourteous

  & inconsiderate of couple ahead.  Stay aware of circle speed & keep a

  respectful distance fm the pair in front.  Tailgaters display lack of

  respect for feelings of slower dancers.  Speeders may enlarge their circle

  radius & dance out around slow pokes.  Slow dancers may yeild to inside so

  faster dancers can pass outside.  Slow pokes should avoid being traffic

  hazards that bunch dancers beh.

    Intentional tailgating to speed up slow pokes doesn't work.  Tailgating

  increases the problems of troubled slow pokes.  Some respond by slowing.

 

take-off. See launch, drive body fm the static CP stance into motion.

 

talk.  Dancing chatter boxes may talk to relieve tension or try to entertain

  ptr.  Others take advantage of captive audience ptrs.

    A dance lasts about two minutes.  Be congenial if ptr chatters, & limit

  dance figs to a few basics.  Talk: eases tensions of some; hampers

  ability; is not a serious distraction if dancing simple figs with a

  familiar ptr; distracts & interferes with concentration on new figs;

  hampers recall of figs; disturbs timing, adjustments & Pos chgs; disrupts

  musical mood that should influence the mind & motivate dancing; distracts

  concentration of dancers with limited dance knowledge & experience; is

  suited for intermissions & sit-outs where talkers concentrate on subject.

 

tam.  Tamara.

 

Tamara (tam, Tammy).  a. Girl's name.  Nickname = Tammy.  Tamara is often

  mispronounced or slurred as "tomorrow".

    b.  Pos. ptrs fc opposite directions R-hips adj, loose Bjo.  (Girl

  extend R-elbow fwd at shoulder level, forearm vertical.)  Man extend

  L-elbow upward, pass forearm horizontal in front of forehead, join L-hand

  with her-R & form a window.  Smile through window at ptr. (Girl pass L-arm

  beh back & join L-hand at R-waist with his extended R-hand).

    c. Bjo Pos: Raise lead hands to form a window, (L-hand beh back, join

  his R-hand at her R-waist.)

    d. Man Tamara or Rev Tamara: Form window with his-R & her-L hand, his

  L-hand beh back to join her-L at his R-waist.

    e. 4-meas dance fig, ptrs chg sides, passing thru Tamara Pos.  Man fc

  ptr & wall wgt-R two steps apt:

   1. fwd-L, cls-R, fwd-L +TamP>w, -;

   2. chg sides: fwd-R release his-L & her-R hands, retain his-R to her-L

  hand hold, cls-L, fwd-RT (TT) fc<, flr free ft RT (LT) flr fc her & >c;

   3. fwd-L, cls-R, fwd-L to R-hip adj man TamP his R-hand (her L-hand)

  window & his L-hand beh back, - ;

   4. chg sides: fwd-R release joined window hands & retain his L- to her R-

  hand hold, cls-L, fwd-R RT (LT) fc>, flr free ft RT (LT) flr fc ptr>w;.

  Joined lower hands on chg sides help dancers decide which way to turn.

  Beginners tend to rush figs that seem complex, fearing time shortage.

  Dance in time to the music.  Many chg sides & fc on meas-1 [instead of fc

  on meas-2].  meas-2 dance fwd after passing ptr until joined lower hands

  initiates the turn.  meas-3 dance to "Man Tam" Pos.  meas-4 delay turn

  until joined lower hands initiates turn & indicates direction.  + hand &

  arm chgs in a smooth & well timed manner.  Use one full meas to blend; fm

  fcing +TamP; fm Tam FP +fc on Tamara pass; fm fc +man-TamP; & fm Man-Tam

  pass.

 

Tamara wrap.  Twirl to Tam Pos.  Bfly>w wgt-R, arch lead hands.  Keep lead &

  trailing hand contacts.  Twirl: Sd-L (Sd-RT twirl under arch), beh-R

  (continue twirl), Sd-L (finish twirl) +TamP>w, - ;.  Keep lead & trail

  hand contacts.  Twirl wraps her +TamP.  Man vine (spot twirl), man

  progress beyond her to +R-side offset rather than FP.

 

Tammy.  Nickname for Tamara.

 

Tammy unwrap.  TamP>w wgt-L, arch lead (window) hands & keep lower hands

  contact, rev spot twirl: Sd-R (in-place LT spot twirl), beh-L (continue

  twirl), Sd-R (finish twirl) +Bfly>w, - ;.  Man rev vine, +fc her.

 

tandem.  Both fc same direction, one in front of the other.

 

tanglefoot.  Condition where dancer's or ptr's weighted ft block path of

  stepping ft.  Causes: poor choreography; dancer/couple Posing; failure to

  close; off-beat steps.  Improper body mechanics & footwork contribute to

  tangleft situations.

 

tangleft encounter.  Step on or collide with ptr's ft.  Causes: Improper

  CP; violated rule of turns; break in rule of the rhythm; off-beat steps;

  raise ft high to step; lack stepping confidence.  In CP ptr are offset to

  left.  Height permitting L-offset lets dancers look over ptr's R-shoulder

  to observe dance traffic.  Compatible footwork is obtained by offset ft

  Pos.  Each dancer's L-ft is aligned outside of ptr's R-ft.  Each dancer's

  R-ft is aligned/aimed bet ptr's ft.  His-R aimed bet her ft.  (Her-R aimed

  bet his ft.)  ft alignment permits stepping in concert.  Improper CP such

  as nose to nose, toes to toes or V (SCP) Pos create incompatible ft

  alignment for a significant number of CP figs, & reduce lead control.

    CP RULES OF TURNS: a. Start LT with a fwd-L or Bk-R step.

  b. Start R-turn with a fwd-R or Bk-L step.

  c. Start L- or R-turns with a Sd-L or Sd-R step.  Failure to observe rules

  results in awkward crossing steps & blocking of step paths.  Broken RULES

  OF THE RHYTHM causes unexpected footwork transitions, placing dancers out

  of step. Identical CP footwork prevents turns in concert.

    Stutter steps cause off-beat dancing.  Dancing ahead of beat may cause

  tanglefoot encounters.  Girls who lead tend to step ahead of beat. On-beat

  steps reduce probability of stepping or being stepped on.  Remember the

  words of Yankee Doodle "Mind the music & the step".

    Lack of confidence is typical of men beginners, especially those with

  hyper-critical ptrs.  Girls who blame ptr for mistakes create problems a

  man can't overcome.  Encourage unsure dancers.  Understanding & tolerance

  helps overcome self doubts & builds confidence.  Comments should help & be

  in a manner that does not focus on mistakes, errors or place blame for

  mis-step.  Girls enjoy dancing with good leaders.  A good leader is sure

  footed & easy to follow, because he steps deliberately, gently & with

  confidence.  Unsure men are difficult to follow.  They are over cautious,

  hesitate, stutter step & lack stepping confidence.

    Raising stepping ft too high permits lowering it on ptr's ft.  Ft should

  skim the floor rather than be lifted & lowered.  A ft lower than ptr's toe

  cannot descend on a toe, & ft contacts are limited to bumps.

    Old dance rules state "It's the girl's fault if she is stepped on". This

  biased statement was to build a man's stepping confidence.  He gains

  confidence if assured he is making progress & is dancing correctly.  He

  needs to step deliberately with confidence & authority.  The woman's

  fault psychology would work, if modern woman had no ego.  She knows he

  makes mistakes & is unwilling to accept the blame.  He becomes more

  cautious & loses confidence, if every mistake is noticed.  Girl subjugate

  your ego & help develop his confidence.  A girl can chase a ptr from

  dancing by blaming him for mistakes.  Pretend he is no klutz until he

  enjoys dancing.  He will leave dancing & never return, if not comfortable.

 

tango (tgo).  Tango reported origin: Brazil or Argentina.  USA dance fad bet

  1910 & 1914.  One dance history traces Tango as: 1910 Argentina; habanero

  del cafe 1900 Cuba; habanero 1850 Cuba; danza habanero 1825 Cuba; danza

  1800 Spain; contradanza 1750 Spain; contradanse 1650 France; country dance

  1650 England.  Habanero also means Rk.  Tango is "The dance of love".

  Tango is haughty, smooth & beautiful.  Tango music has staccato rhythm

  with distinct breaks bet successive tones.

    Tango Pos is close, not tight but comfortable. Shoulders parallel to

  ptrs, bodies L-offset.  Interlaced feet, not toe to toe, R-ft aimed bet

  ptr's ft.  Head high, lead hands bet her shoulder & eye level.  Elbows UP,

  & out at her shoulder level.  Synchronize steps with staccato rhythm.

  Step lightly without bounce or hop.  Relaxed ankles & knees, toes turned

  slightly out.

    Style adds mood & flavor to tango.  Glide lightly & smoothly.  Reach

  deliberately & aggressively.  Accentuate weight transfer to staccato music

  & release of free foot.  Use: cat-like staccato steps;  Longer steps than

  in other dance types (more than girl's one foot length); Sharp quick stps.

  Eliminate all bounce.  Push body weight fm weighted ft on side steps, do

  not reach side & pull body over.  Use contra style body moves: On fwd-L

  step move R-shoulder & upper torso fwd, turn head-R.  On fwd-R step: move

  L-shoulder & upper torso fwd, turn head-L.  Avoid over-doing contra body

  style.  Over-done contra body style looks stupid.

    Corte = dip.  New dancers react better to Dip than Corte.  Add twist to

  a corte as dancers gain control.  (Girl corte: fwd-R ¼LT, flex R-knee,

  extend free L-leg, pnt L-ft to sd, arch back, look over L-shoulder, head

  & eyes up.  On a deep corte LT in his arms, L-ft LT in plc.)  His corte:

  Bk-L ¼ LT extend R-toe to a side pnt.

    Tango timing is: Slo, - , slo, - ; Qk, qk, draw, - ;.  Basic tango:

  fwd-L, -, fwd-R, - ; fwd-L,  Sd-R, draw-L, - ;.  TANGO DRAW = fwd, sd,

  drw, - ;.  A slow draw looks nice timed so free ft reaches weighted ft as

  next step is started.  A slow flowing draw has a plesant appearance & is

  easy to style.  Some prefer a snap draw & hold to accentuate the staccato

  rhythm.  Slow vs snap ft action represent the two basic tango styles,

  GAUCHO & ARGENTINE.

    GAUCHO style uses extreme contra body moves & square shoulders on tango

  draw.  Snap draw ends with free toe pointed at weighted ft instep.  Snap

  contra turn head to body moves on steps.  Gaucho accentuates staccato

  rhythm.

    Argentine/American is smooth style with subdued staccato steps & contra

  ody moves.  The draw is slow with a slight curved motion.  Start draw with

  free toe pointed down & out, time for no-hold at weighted ft & continue

  into next step.

    Tango figs: Basic or promenade; El Sharon; Argentine walk; Scis; arch;

  media luna; swirl; habanero; gaucho turn; Parisienne; ......

 

tango arch.  Draw free ft to weighted foot instep.

 

tango brush tap.  Modified tango draw.  fwd-L, Sd-R, brush-L, tap-L;.

 

tango close.  = Tango draw.  Archaic term.  CLOSE is misleading, it infers a

  chg step.  It is not a chg step, but is a non-step ft action TOUCH.

 

tango draw (tgd). CP> wgt-R: fwd-L (Bk-R), Sd-R (L), draw-L (-R), - ;.

  The draw is a slow (½ note) time action.

  The slow non-step is used to adj Pos & fc direction for the next fig.

  Slow draw gives time to config body, arms & provide positive lead signal.

  Girl receive lead signal with time to recognize intention, & prepare.

 

tanz.  German for dance.

  Tanz kapelle: dance band.

  Tanzer: dancer.

  Tanzerin: dance girl.

  Tanzstunde: dance lesson.

  Tanzsaal: dance hall.

 

tap.  a. Non-step ft action.  Strike floor with toe and/or heel.

    b. Touch ptr lightly with hand or finger.

    c. Tap toe & heel of free or stepping foot.  Brush-tap L-toe & heel fwd, 

  brush-tap L-heel & toe back, brush-tap L-toe & heel fwd, stamp-tap step-L;

  Repeat with-R;.

    d. Quick sharp pat of toe &/or heel on floor to produce audible sound.

 

tape recorder pickup.  A magnetic telephone pickup coil (Realistic Radio

  Shack catalog number 44533 or equal) placed on insulated speaker wires of

  a sound system provides suitable inductive coupling to drive the mic input

  of most cassette tape recorders. Recordings obtained fm speaker wires with

  a coil pickup are superior to those made by a mic near a speaker.

  Microphones pick up background noises.  Frequency responses of speaker &

  mic impair fidelity.  The coil pickup provides better fidelity, because

  speaker & microphone distortion are bypassed.  Locate pickup coil away fm

  power cord & other strong 60 hertz hum noise magnetic fields.

    Modify a television antenna lead clip into a clamp to attach a pickup

  coil to insulated speaker wires.  Bend antenna clip jaws so the pickup

  coil & speaker wires fit bet them. Glue or tape the butt end of the coil

  to inside of one clip jaw.  The other clip jaw remains free to clamp the

  coil fc to the speaker wire.  Cut the rubber suction cup fm the fc of the

  coil so it fits closer to speaker wires, to increase inductive coupling.

    Matched hard wire connection of tape recorder to amplifier provides best

  quality recordings.  Many amplifiers do not have tape recorder jacks.

  Amplifier jack output may not match a tape recorder's input.  The sound

  system operator may not permit use of amplifier output jacks.

 

tarantella.  a. Vivacious 6/8 time southern Italy folk dance, performed by

  couples with tambourines.

    b. Music for the dance.

    c. fc ptr>w wgt-R: Bal Sd-L curve L-arm overhead & R-arm Xif of body,

  beh-R, rec-L; Bal Sd-R, curve R-arm overhead L-arm down Xif of body,

  beh-L, rec-R +Hungarian swing [Bjo]; Wheel Step-L/ hop-L, step-R/hop-R,

  step-L/hop-L; Step-R/hop-R, step-R/hop, step-R/hop-R; Repeat 1-4 ;;;;

  Run-L, R, L; Run-R, L, R; (cir man 6-steps);; Bal apt Sd-L, beh-R, rec-L;

  Bal tog Sd-R, beh-L, rec-R; Cir awy-L, R, L; Cir tog R, L, R;  On cir clap

  hands overhead (strike tambourine).  Rpt meas 9-16  ;;;;;;;;.

  Do si do 6-steps;;  4-turning Wz;;;;  Twirl-3; Run-3;.

 

tarantism.  Nervous affection.  Dance mania-malady of medieval Europe.

  Uncontrolled impulse to dance.  Prevalent in southern Italy fm 15th thru

  17th century.   Caused by the bite of the trantula.

 

target location.  The spot/goal dancers desire to reach at fig completion.

 

target Pos. The Pos & spot that is goal of a fig.

 

tch.  Abbreviation for touch.

 

 teaching.  Teacher qualification control is not possible nor desirable.

  Anyone with a following is a teacher.  Qualifications may be defined &

  certifications issued to those who meet standards.  Desirable traits:

  Knowledge; patience; communications ability; memory; awareness of group

  needs; pleasant person; neat appearance; honesty; integrity; humility;

  sincerity; considers others; tolerent; charisma.

    Good motivation for teaching is love of dancing & others.  Teach for

  pleasure, & encourage dancers to be pleasant. Teaching is a profession,

  conduct self in professional manner.  Plan nights off, too many nights

  without diversions turn teaching into a chore & sour attitude & outlook

  twd dancing & dancers.

    Learning curves advance upward until rate conflicts with recall &

  reaction ability.  Saturation occurs when dancer can not recall, separate

  & select desired footwork, Pos & directions in an accurate & timely

  manner.  A dancer becomes confused, frustrated & discouraged at saturation

  points, & may drop out.  Problem dancers should be helped without neglect

  of others.  Encourage dancers to seek help & improve dancing.  Reserve

  individual instructions for break periods.  If needed walk the entire

  group through problem figs, otherwise have one or two wait.  Minimize

  group waits to help individuals.  Recognize dancer progress with ready

  compliments.  Tell group what is planned, what is happening & encourage

  participation.  Promote mutual confidence, friendliness & fairness.

    Respect routines.  Teach with enthusiasm.  Let joy & pleasure show.

  Dancers are receptive to dances under such conditions.

    Prepare material in advance.  Know the subject, style, routine, rhythm,

  etc..  Speak with authority fm knowledge.  Don't play "Know-it- all".

  Everyone makes mistakes.  Refer to the cue sheet if in doubt or to settle

  controversy.

    Develop dancer faith without trying to convince them of your perfection.

  Have faith in dancers, they will make it.  Consider how they dance & the

  routines taught.  A dancer has the right to dance in the manner he likes.

  Help establish desirable & achievable goals.  Teach style to all dance

  levels.  Teach good dancing not just routines.  Repeat demos after a dance

  is learned so dancers can watch styling.

    Avoid rushing there is never enough time to teach everything.  Teach

  slow & thorough.  Use as much time as is needed for a clear & complete

  teach of new material.  Resist temptation to quick teach, include all

  significant details.  Bored dancers may sit out.  Most dancers learn-

  relearn something fm a review or walk thru.

    Keep an open mind for new & old things. Use mixers &/or move students to

  new ptrs.  Fast learners sometimes enjoy helping others.  Use repetition

  & different approaches.  Watch for better ways of teaching & dealing with

  dancers. Use the best methods & try to improve them.  Modify pet methods &

  try new ones.  Observe teaching techniques & methods. Teach to the average

  level of the group.  Help & encourage learning to read & use cue sheets.

  This helps interested dancers learn dances.  Furnish cue sheets.  Each

  beginner should have a Pos chart & abbreviation sheet.

    Observe the golden rule.  Set a good example by doing.  Criticize

  dancers privately, avoid public embarrassment & minimize mistakes.

  Everyone has faults including teacher.  Recognize your faults & be alert

  for their signs.  Expect mistakes & readily admit them.  Maintain a

  friendly, professional attitude twd other teachers.  Contact with them is

  important.  Teacher & caller organizations & publications are important

  media & training aids.

    Highlight each chg of pace, broken & mixed fig.

    Teachers may start lessons with the two-step, or Wz.  Observed results

  indicate little difference in class progress bet rhythms.  About twice as

  many two-step are played at S/Ds.  Dancers encounter two-step dances they

  know at S/Ds.  Added encouragement & incentive occur fm dancing a RD at a

  S/D.

    Start class/club on time, without waiting for all to arrive.  Begin with

  a warm-up review of familiar material, so late comers won't miss too much

  new material.  Avoid being a comedian, but laugh & have fun.  Learning

  causes tension that may prevent smiles.  Relax & enjoy, without excessive

  effort.  The two big problems are dancers & teachers.  Play several known

  dances, use some humor, pick on yourself.  Use mixers with compatible

  groups, beware of personality clashes within groups.  Use a good sport as

  a fall guy for jokes.  Admit mistakes.

 

tea dance.  Afternoon dance at tea time.

 

tele.  Telemark.

 

telemark (tele, telmk).  a. 3/4 to full LT around girl & chg fm CP or Scar

  to SCP.  Scar or CP/>c wgt-R: fwd-LT (Bk-R) CP/<c, Sd-Rball outside her-LT

  fc<wall (in-plc-R heels tog fc/>c), Sd-LT />w (fwd-R) +SCP>;.

    b. (in-plc heels tog stp-2, +open path for man to step freely around.)

    c. See closed telemark: Telemark +Bjo. Scar/>c wgt-R: fwd-L (Bk-R) T

  +CP/<c, Sd-Rball outside her-L T +CP/<w, fwd-L (Sd-R) T +Bjo/>w;.

 

telemark Bjo.  a. Closed telemark.  See telemark.  A telemark +Bjo.

  b. LT cross pivot +Bjo.

 

telemark semi.  Telemark +SCP.

 

telespin.  2-meas 1½ LT fig.  Combine ½LT telemark +SCP followed by (cir &

  turn man on his L-ball). CP> wgt-R: Telemark +SCP>; Full LT Lball, - , - (

  L-cir man & turn him fwd-L/fwd-R, fwd-L +CP<, cls-R) +CP<;.

 

telmk.  Telemark.

 

tempo.  Speed of music in meass or beats/min.  Check tempo with the 2nd

  hand of a watch.  Count the number of meass for 15-sec & multiply by 4.

  Count 4/4 time music at 4-beats per meas [4 bpm], example:  1, 2, 3, 4;

  2, 2, 3, 4; 3, 2, 3, 4; 4, 2, 3, 4;.  Count 3/4 time music at 3-bt/meas:

  1, 2, 3; 2, 2, 3; 3, 2, 3; 4, 2, 3;.  Multiply the number of meas counted

  by four to obtain meass/min.

    A natural preference for tempos of 38 to 40 meas/min [both 3/4 & 4/4

  time music] seems to exist.  Other tempos are suitable.  Music arrangement

  & choreography affect tempo preference.

    Typical tempo ranges for various rhythms in meas/min.  Wz: 30 to 38.

  Vienese Wz: 50 to 70.  Two-step: 30 to 46.  Slow foxtrot: 25 to 30.

  Foxtrot: 30 to 35.  Peabody foxtrot: 58 to 62. Quickstep: 48 to 52.

  Tango: 32 to 34.  Rumba: 28 to 32.  Samba: 45 to 50.  Cha-cha: 32 to 34.

  Paso doble: 58 to 64. Swing: 40 to 46.

    Relative tempo expressed in Italian terms:  Largo = very slow;

  larghetto; adagio, lento, andantino, andante; moderato = moderate;

  allegretto;  allegro; presto; prestissimo = very fast.

 

tension.  Learning creates stress.  Stress hampers learning.  Relax & have

  fun. Create a light friendly atmosphere within a group.  Play a few well

  known dances when signs of tensions arise.

 

tercera.  Third.  Number three.

 

terms.  Dance: Words, vocabulary, language.  Learning RD language with

  adequate familiarity to recall figs & react in a timely manner takes

  frequent repetitive use over an extended period.  Interest significantly

  reduces time required to gain a working knowledge-vocabulary of the

  language.  Speak terms aloud to speed vocabulary growth.

    figs may have more than one term. Teachers coin names for convenience.

  Some originated fm TV & movies.

 

terpsichorean.  Of or related  dance.

 

tgd.  Tango draw.

 

tgo.  Tango.

 

three cha cha chas.  9-step 1½-meas. Deviate fm 5-steps cha-cha rhythm rule.

  3-quick chas (3-triples).  Example:

  Sd-L/cls-R, Sd-L, Sd-R/ cls-L, Sd-R; Sd-L/cls-R, Sd-L,.

 

three little words.  2-meas Wz.  Sd-L, tch-R, - ;  Thru-R, Sd-L, cls-R;.

 

three quarter (3/4) time. meas or bar of 3 ¼ notes.

 

three slide Esmeralda.  8-meas polka of sideways slide steps.

  Sd-L, - , cls-R, - ; Sd-L, -, cls-R, - ;

  Sd-L, - , cls-R, - ; Sd-L, - , - , - ;

  Sd-R, - , cls-L, - ; Sd-R, - , cls-L, - ;

  Sd-R, - , cls-L, - ;  Sd-R, - , - , - ;.

 

three slide racket.  4-meass: Slide Sd-L, cls-R, slide Sd-L, cls-R;

  Sd-L, cls-R, Sd-L, hop-L; Slide-R, cls-L, slide-R, cls-L;

  Sd-R, cls-L, Sd-R, hop-R;.

 

three step.  a. 3-step 4/4 time fig, without a cls step.  CP wgt-R:

  fwd-L, fwd-R, fwd-L, - ;  fwd-R, fwd-L, fwd-R, - ;.

    b. 4/4 time meas: Qk, qk, qk, - ;.

    c. Fox-trot meas time: Slo, - , qk, qk;. or: fwd, - , fwd, fwd;.

 

three steps/meas (3 steps/meas).  Dance rhythm of most 3/4 & 4/4 time music

  contain 3-STEPS/meas.  Dance 3-STEPS/meas unless told or rhythm specifies

  otherwise.  The 3-STEPS/meas rule applies to most couple dances: Wz,

  two-step, international foxtrot, polka, samba, mambo, & rumba.  Dances may

  include figs that contain more or less than 3-STEPS/meas, & break the rule

  of the rhythm.  Develop the habit of dancing 3-STEPS/meas.  When it

  becomes natural, dancers need only remain alert for exceptions.  Cue

  exceptions to the rule with a suffix number to indicate the number of

  steps/meas.  Omit the suffix number 3-fm 3-step cues as understood. This

  adds significance to suffix number cues that break rhythm.  3-is the magic

  number.

    Timing, sequence, manner & style of taking 3-STEPS/meas vary with

  rhythm.  The common rule remains.  Examples:

  Two-step = Qk, qk, slo, - ;.

  Rumba = qk, qk, slo, - ; or Slo, - , qk, qk;.

  Polka = Qk, qk, slo, - ; or Qk, qk, qk, hop;.

  Mambo = Qk, qk, qk, - ;.

  Samba = Slo, qk/qk, slo, qk/qk; (double time meass).

  International foxtrot = Slo, - , qk, qk;.

  Conga = Qk, qk, qk, kick;.

  Waltz = 1, 2, 3;.

    Exceptions to the 3-STEPS/meas rule:

  Paso doble = one-step = Slo, -, slo, _ ; or 1, 2, 3. 4;

  Merengue: Qk, qk, qk, qk;.

  Social fox-trot = Slo, - , slo, - ; Qk, qk, slo, -; Slo, - , qk, qk;.

  Single or foxtrot swing = Step, tch, step, tch; Rk, rec, stp, tch;

   Step, tch, Rk, rec;.

  Double swing = tch, stp, tch, stp; Rk, rec, tch, stp; tch, stp, Rk, rec;.

  Triple or syncopated fox trot = Qk/qk, slo, qk/qk, slo; Rk, rec, qk/qk,

    slow; Qk/qk, slo, Rk, rec;.

  Cha cha = Rk, rec, qk/qk, slo;.

    Each 3-STEPS/meas rhythm contains: A DRIVE step, a BALL stp, a CLS step.

  The order of the steps vary among rhythms but the sequence-purpose is

  constant.

   DRIVE initiates direction, motion & torque.

   BALL lets weight coast & stops motion.

   CLOSE resets body to the static flat ft start posture.

 

through (thru).  a. Pass or move bet space that separates ptrs.

    b. Pass free stepping feet bet ptrs.

    c. THRU indicates both dancers pass free ft bet space separating ptrs.

    d. Directs girl to step thru or Xif as the man does.  See: Thru twinkle,

  thru Rk, thru two-step, thru cha, scis thru, thru turn, thru Wz, etc.

    e. Thru-turn cues pair to start turn in direction of ptr.

 

throwaway.  1½-meas 8-step triple swing fig. CP>w wgt-R keep lead hand hold:

  Sd-L/cls-R, Sd-L (Sd-R/cls-L, Sd-R) T CP<, Bk-R/cls-L, Bk-R (Bk-L/cls-R,

  Bk-L) +FP>;  Rk apt-L (-R) full lead arms length apt, rec-R (-L) FP>,.

    b. Swing rhythm fig (back apt fm CP +FP lead hands tog).

    c. 1½-meas single swing.  CP>w wgt-R keep lead hand hold:

  Sd-L (Sd-R) T +CP>, - , fwd-R (Bk-L) CP<, - ;

  Rk apt-L (-R), rec-R (-L) CP>,.

 

throwaway oversway.  Pos.  Man on-L-knee bent, extend-R to side pnt, twist

  upper torso 1/8 LT with R-sway. (wgt-R-knee bent, outside R-thigh contact

  inside his L-thigh) waist body contact.  (Her L-leg extended & pnt back,

  arch back 1/8 L-twist of torso, tilt head back with LT.)

    b. +Throwaway oversway & rec +CP.  CP>w wgt-R: Sd-L draw-R to-L (Sd-R)

  stretch up 1/8 L-twist, flex L-knee extend-R to R-pnt lower R-shoulder

  (bend R-knee & extend-L back to L-pnt > low L-shoulder LT head chin up),

  rise & draw tch-R +CP>w;.

    c. Oversway 1/8 L-twist modified by her extended-L to back pnt in

  opposite direction of his R-pnt.

 

throw-out.  Swing: CP>w wgt-R: Sd-L/cls-R, Sd-L (Sd-R/cls-L, Sd-R), T +CP>,

  apt-R/cls-L, apt-R (-L/-R, -L) lead hands tog; Rk apt-R (-L), rec-R +CP>,

 

throw-over.  Paso doble term for girl rollaway.  OP> wgt-R: (rollaway +LOP

  in 4-steps;.

 

thru.  Through.  Cue to step through space bet ptrs & fc ptr.

 

thru chasse. Thru step follow by chasse. Loose CP>w wgt-L both look twd>:

  Thru-R (-L), Sd-L/cls-R, Sd-L;.  Best choreographed to Wz meass with two

  1/8 notes following a lead ¼ note, i.e.: 1, 2/3, 4;.

 

thru hover.  Loose FP>w wgt-R both look twd<:

  Thru-L (-R) FP>w, Sd-R (-L) on ball, rec-LT (rec-R RT) fc>;. or

  Loose CP wgt-L both look twd>: Thru-R (-L) FP, Sd-L (-R) on ball, rec-RT

  (rec-L T) fc<;.

 

thru turn.  Turn twd ptr.  Solo turn on thru step.  OP> wgt-L free-R

  extended back: Thru-RT (thru-L T) fc ptr, Sd-L on ball RT (Sd-Lball T)

  +L-OF<, cls-R (cls-L);.

 

thru twinkle.  Twinkle thru.  L-Open <  wgt-R: Thru-L (-R) T FP, Sd-R (-L)

  on ball T OP>, cls-L (-R); Thru-R (-L) T FP, Sd-L (-R) on ball T L-OP<,

  cls-R (-L);. Modify degree of turn & +Pos with start Pos of follow on fig.

    THRU TWINKLE is a more effective cue than TWINKLE THRU.  A higher number

  of girls recognize & react smoothly to THRU TWINKLE than TWINKLE THRU.

  TWINKLE in cue TWINKLE THRU receives first attention & starts recall

  reaction to TWINKLE, where girl steps beh.  THRU comes 2nd & modifies

  TWINKLE after she is committed to TWINKLE.  Committed to TWINKLE recall

  step functions she may: ignore or fail to hear the follow on THRU; dance

  the TWINKLE with a beh drive step.  A beh drive step starts torque rev to

  desired rotation. To stop & rev torque generated on the drive step creates

  jerks & twists that corrupt fig flow.  Dancers tend to associate CP> with

  the TWINKLE fig, & Bfly Pos>w with TWINKLE THRU.  Man may contribute to

  girl's TWINKLE vs THRU-TWINKLE problems with force leads that interfere

  with her freedom to adjust for the cued fig.

    1st word of the cue THRU TWINKLE prompts dancers to step THRU.  A THRU

  drive step Positions & torques dancer for a side ball step, that is the

  same for THRU-TWINKLE, THRU turn or THRU Wz.  The suffix modifier is cued

  last but easily received, because dancer attention is alerted to the cue

  THRU by absence of a companion word.  A THRU cue & step starts dancer's

  torque in the proper direction for THRU follow-on actions.

 

thru Waltz.  Loose CP, SCP, OP or Bfly Pos wgt-L: Thru-R (-L) ¼T +FP, Sd-L

  (-R) on ball, cls-R (-L);.

 

tilt.  Lean slightly fwd, back or side.

 

tilting.  Calypso fig.  See banana step.

 

timbals.  Double headed treble drums played with open hands to produce 2-

  tone syncopated Latin rhythm.

 

time step.  a. One ptr holds or dances rhythm in place as ptr dances a solo

  fig.

    b. 5-step 1-meas cha cha rhythm fig.  FP wgt-R: Rk beh-L, rec-R, Sd-

  L/cls-R, Sd-L; beh-R, rec-L, Sd-R/cls-L, Sd-R;.

  ptrs may dance different figs.

 

tip.  A pair of S/Ds: 1-hash & 1-singing call.

 

tip-toe.  Dance high on the toes.

 

tipple.  a. Tip or tilt.

  b. Modifier to indicate tilt bodies.

  c. Drink alcohol excessively.

  d. Stagger as if drunk.

 

tipple lock.  SCP tilt fwd on-L: Thru-R, fwd-L/lock-R, fwd-L;.

 

tipsy.  Unsteady, askew or stagger style.

 

to.  Target Pos or facing direction i.e.: Hover to semi; Wing to Scar;

  Twinkle to Bjo; etc..  TO is often confused with TWO.  Minimize use of TO

  & reduce confusion on cues like: Roll-2; Hover semi; Wing Scar; Twinkle

  Bjo; Roll two to fc too.

 

toe (T).  a. Toe of ft.

  b. Placement of toe.

  c. See HEEL & TOE, & TOE & HEEL.

  c. Toe vs Ball: Toe is a step high on ball, heel raised ½" or more.  Ball

    = heel less than ½" above floor.

 

toe dance.  Dance on toes (high on balls) heels more than ½" above floor.

  Balance on ball is unstable with heel higher than ½".  Toe dancing causes

  leg muscle tension, poor balance, bounce & strain.  Tip-toeing is

  affected, tires legs & looks sissified.  Test feel of weight on ball:

  1. Stand flat footed, weight divided bet heel & ball.

  2. Shift weight slowly fwd to ball, heel still touching the floor.

  3. Raise heel a fraction (1/32" to 1/16") off floor.  Good height for ball

  or quick steps.  Slow steps are heel to ball.

 

toe in.  Point free toe at weighted foot.

 

toe out. Point free toe away fm weighted foot.

 

toe teasing.  Susie-Q. Travel sideways, alternate twist toes wgt on heel/s,

  then twist heels wgt on toe/s. Bfly>w on R-heel move twd>:

  Twist toes-L shift wgt +toes, twist heels-L shift wgt +heels,

  twist toes-L shift wgt +toes, shift heels-L shift wgt +heels;.

  Twist free lead ft in same or opposite direction of wgt ft.

  Wgt may be supported by trailing ft or both ft.

 

toe to flat (T-F, T/F). Slow back step technique.  Transfer weight fm toe to

  flat of ft.

 

toe to heel (T-H, T/H).  Backward drive step technique.  Transfer weight fm

  ball through flat to heel.

 

tog.  tog.  together

 

tog.  a. Move twd ptr.

  b. Move extended free ft beside [next to] weighted foot.

  c. Free style ballroom studio term for close step and/or for tch non-step

  ft action.  Move extended free ft to weighted ft to eliminate ft

  separation resulting fm a step.  Restore balance for the next ft action.

 

tone arm.  Record player lever containing the pickup & stylus.  Controls

  needle track, pressure & arc. Arm may have an appendage to raise & lower.

 

 

File: T-terms.txt rev-030324