Article | : | "Dancing Tid-bits" Issue #90, Thursday, Feb 212002
Today's Topic: Minimum vs Part Weight-part II
After studying and experimenting extensively including jumping on weighing machines, I have reached the following conclusions:
1. The Minimum weight seems to be definitely less than 1/2 weight and personally I feel less than 15% qualifies for minimum.
2. Part Weight can vary anywhere from 1/2 weight to just less than full, depends on the dance and circumstances.
3. Even if you step with full weight but if the duration is momentary such as less than 1/2 beat ( "a" of Jive and Samba Basic), it should be considered part weight.
Let us consider some practical examples:
1. Rumba Basic first step (Man) is a checked forward walk, Part Weight. I feel almost 95% of my weight on this step. Another technique may consider this step as a normal step with full weight. What is your opinion? Second step Cucaracha (second position break) is part weight of course, no disagreements there.
2. Samba Basic: The "a" beat to me feels part weight but the new technique describes it as minimum weight. What do you think?
3. Volta in Samba: The "a" beat feels part weight according to technique (more than minimum); agree.
4. Bota Fogos: the "a" beat or the second step is minimum weight and I totally agree; the step is wide and outside body.
5. Jive: The "a" beat, nothing written in technique but I feel it is part weight (full weight momentarily).
Of course all this is quite interperative. I enjoyed writing this tidbit for whatever it means. I would love to hear disagreements. Best WishesMax
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