"Lindy by Lanza"
For beginners
Lesson One


Promenade Position:

1) Man holds lady around the waist with right hand.
2)Lady's left hand is on man's right shoulder.
3) Man's left hand holds lady's right hand.
4) Shoulders form a "V" with lady's left and man's right shoulder at the base of the "V," dancers facing forward.
5) Basic rhythm steps are danced in place.
 

Basic rhythm count is 'one and two, three and four, rock-step.' by counting the rhythm aloud, the numbers will act as your guidelines and will facilitate learning.

Exercise For Basic Rhythm Count
1) Clap out rhythm as you count it aloud.
2) Tap out rhythm on table as you count it.

Note: S  QQ is called a "Triple Step."

The Triple Steps are taken in place; on the rock-steps, the lady rocks diagonally back on her right foot, as the man rocks diagonally back on his left foot.

Practice basic rhythm steps alone at first; Man starts with his left (L) foot; Lady starts with her right (R) foot. Shift body weight subtlely from foot to foot as you count the Triple Steps on rhythm.

Practice Rock-Step in every direction, i.e. backward Rock, forward Rock, sideward Rock, rock in place. Once you are able to step out the rhythm, do the Basic Rhythm Step to music, starting on the down beat.
 

count
Lady
Man
  1  & 2 
  R  L  R
  L  R  L
 3  &  4
 L   R  L 
 R  L   R 
Rock-Step
R  L
L  R
R=right foot
L=left foot
On To Lesson Two


"Strictly Swing the Dean Collins Way" contains vintage photos, styling tips, techniques, advanced Lindy lessons and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.
 
 
 

Copyright © 4/20/2000 by Joe Lanza