| Article | : | "Dancing Tid-bits" Issue #94, Thursday, March 21,2002
Today's Topic: Drag Hesitation; A thing of the Past?
Several years ago, devastated in love, I started to take dancing more
seriously and decided to be certified in teaching (ISTD). The ballroom dance
that I picked for my first showcase was a "Waltz" and befitting my mood the
song was "I wonder who is kissing her now".
Even as a basic bronze student I have always done my own choreography and my
favorite Ukrainian teacher, Tatyana, always went along and refined and fine
tuned my "routines". As I was attending groups and privates, I decided to
use "Drag Hesitation" as a follow to 2 Double Reverse Spins. I had mostly
Syllabus figures but also include a couple open steps and a Picture Line
Oversway etc. For some reason I liked the Drag Hesitation so much that it
became my most favorite step of the routine and I started to use it in
everyday dancing and developed my own "hang" of leading a rather novice
lady. However as you know, more recently this figure has been dropped from silver syllabus of at least one institution and is now listed at the end of the book like a stepchild. Dont take me wrong, I really dont mean it that way.
What is Drag Hesitation: Actually it is like Hesitation Change in Waltz? You
do hesitate but on a forward step. Men: Start facing LOD, 1. LF forward,2.
RF to side and 3. Drag LF to RF without weight. Make 3/8 turn to left and
you have done a drag hesitation. Bodies turn a little less so that Lady will
easily step forward outside partner RF at the end and man will step back LF
in CBMP (PO) and from here you can do a Back Lock backing DW. Ladies reciprocate or normal opposite.
Why use Drag Hesitation: I find it as one of the most beautiful movements as
you drag and it helps to change the rhythm and weight change leads, also
body relationship at the end to encourage lady to go outside partner. There is so much here and it is easy to do
Why was this figure eliminated: Good Question? I dont know. I wish some of
you who are more familiar withcommittees and have high connections will shed some light on this subject. Elizabeth Romain did not say Why? She just said Bill was surprised or something to that effect.
Choreography: Do a Natural Spin Turn (Underturn). end backing DC against
LOD, make 456 of Reverse Turn, end facing DC and Double Revers Spin x 2, end facing LOD. Execute Drag Hesitation as above, Follow with back Lock, followed by 456 of Natural Turn, end facing DC ready for a RF Closed Change. This is how I used it in my routine and after a speedy couple Double Reverses it was a nice contrast.
In the next Tid-bits I will suggest few Technical Hints on Lead and Follow
which are slightly different from the prescribed technique. It would be nice
to hear other people's views With Best Wishes...Max |
