We always want to be active through our legs and feet when we dance. In doing so, we can use the floor more efficiently for balance and power. Applying this to our Latin dances will also improve our timing and overall look.
In our Latin dances we always want to feel that we are pushing ourselves from foot to foot using the power of our legs and feet. This can help us more fully complete weight changes, thus improving our lead, follow and control, and helping us achieve a more dimensional body action.
Any step in a Latin dance should involve a complete weight change. That means each step should end with one foot fully weighted and the other free. Along with weight, we should also be aware of foot pressure. Foot pressure does not just involve the weighted foot but is important with our free foot, also known as the trailing foot. Even though we are not putting weight on the trailing foot, we should maintain a great deal of energy and extension by pressing it into the floor.
If we consistently maintain energy into the floor through our free foot, we will not only have better balance but we will be able to achieve rotation through the hips. This rotation is not just for a good look. It is a big part of the power source that allows us to move from foot to foot; and, therefore, a big help in more clearly communicating our lead and follow to our partner.
When practicing Latin walks try taking it slow. Make a full weight change, stop, and check to see that you are balanced, that you have pressure into the free foot and that you have rotated through the hips. Take another step, stop, and repeat the checklist for the other foot.
Only through repetition can we build the habits that will create great dancers. Paying attention to the relationship between our feet and the floor is crucial to harnessing the energy of our legs and feet.
Jeff Nelson is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to schedule lessons with Jeff or any of the teachers at Dance Station call 505989-9788.
