IDB 2015: What Standard/Smooth Dancers Should Have Learned at Syllabus Level

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The syllabus is an encyclopedic repertoire of figures, actions, concepts and vocabulary with each figure contributing to complete the dancer’s skill set. Syllabus training is a lifelong process. Revisit the basic figures often and constantly revise your understanding of them, including the particular areas below. Your coaches, your partner and the judges will appreciate your devotion to these essential basics.

  1. Develop a thorough sense of musicality, including mastering all syllabus timings. The better the dancer, the more time and distinctions are heard and expressed in the music.
  1. Master the four syllabus dance positions (In line, Outside Partner, Promenade/Fallaway and Left Side/Wing), focusing particularly on the transitions (slide or roll) between the positions. Be able to identify which position is used on each step of each figure. Use exercises to develop a finer sense of each of these positions. Examples: Outside Partner/Lock Exercise and Promenade exercises.
  2. Characterization of each dance and each figure in each dance. Consider:
    Why isn’t the Double Reverse Spin in the Foxtrot syllabus? The WDSF syllabus includes it in Foxtrot.
    Should the Back Lock continue to be included in the Waltz?
    Should the Quickstep syllabus include running figures (other than the Four- or Six Quick Runs and the Running Finish? Hop or jump figures? The Charleston Basic?
    Should the Viennese Crosses, beyond the Basic Reverse Turn, be part of the Tango syllabus?
    Should all figures be transferable to the other dances?
  1. Master each of the basic actions: Heel Pull, Heel Pivot, Heel Turn, Pivots (Reverse, Natural and Slip), etc. Develop a fine sense of presentation of each of these actions, plus the even more basic of actions, including the forward and backward walk, closes and crosses.
  2. Be able to order and understand all the figures in their categories, including all of the Feathers, Telemarks, Weaves, Promenade figures, Left Side figures, Natural and Reverse figures. What are the three differences between normal natural and reverse figures? In which of the two directions is CBM the strongest? What are the four types of choreography?
  3. The Ballroom Technique is divided into the essential headings. Open level dancers will have additional headings. Develop easy fluency with these columns:
  • Feet Positions
  • Alignment
  • Amount of Turn
  • Rise and Fall
  • Footwork
  • CBM
  • Sway
  • Precedes and Follows
  1. Master floorcraft. In a floorcraft crisis, the basics are your best chance for flexibility without sacrificing quality. Be able to dance every precede and follow listed in the book.
  2. Be able to dance the basics of each dance in reversed roles. See Edita Danuite’s video posted Thursday.

 

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