Rhythmic Mechanical count, (R&M) starting on the down beat.

count Lady Man

5  6   S  S    L  R   R  L ROCK STEP

1   &  2  S  Q  Q  L   R  L   R   L   R  1ST  TRIPLE

3  &  4  S  Q  Q  R   L   R   L   R  L  2ND  TRIPLE

R=right foot L=left foot

Man Rocks back on 5, pulls on 6 and takes both Triples in place. Lady Rocks back on 5, starts forward on 6, travels to Man on 1st Triple in BPP, as both rotate clockwise.

Back To Basic Promenade Position (BPP)

This lesson will show the Lady how to get back to Basic Promenade Position in a smooth continuous manner which does not break the rhythmic flow of the Lindy. The Lady will not travel straight toward the Man , but will arc around slightly, heading for his right shoulder.

Lesson #2 ended in the Open Position, finishing with the 2nd Triple (3 & 4). Lesson #3 begins with a Rock Step (5 & 6) . The Lady Rocks backwards, while the Man also Rocks backwards which will increase the tension resistance in both dancer's arms. This is the beginning of the lead for Lady to come back to BPP.

On count #6 (Rock Step), Man draws Lady forward.

On 1st Triple, Lady travels back to Man's right shoulder. Man takes 1st Triple in place. Lady arrives at Man's side at end of LAST STEP of 1st Triple and throws her left arm behind Man's shoulders while Man throws his right hand around her waist, gently pulling her into the BPP.

The forward momentum of the Lady traveling into the Man's right shoulder is absorbed by both dancers rotating 180 degrees clockwise as they take 2nd Triples (3 & 4) with couple ending up facing the opposite direction after their rotation.

Once the couple is back in the BPP, dancers can take their basic Rock Steps (5 & 6) and repeat the Basic Rhythm  steps as they continue to rotate clockwise, until the Man sees an opening on the dance floor to Throw Lady into the Open Position again.

Note: Lady arrives at Man's right side on LAST STEP of 1st Triple, NOT BEFORE.

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