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Two Pairs of Positions
by Tim Eum
BOLERO versus SOMBRERO Position --
Bolero Position and Sombrero Position are the same, except for one
thing – the left hands are “lightly” joined above the heads in
Sombrero.
Here are the Roundalab definitions for both positions:
Bolero Position -- Partners are facing opposite directions with right
hips adjacent and right arm extended across the front of the partner's
waist with partner contact. Left arms are raised with a bend in the
elbow and curved upward and inward on dancer's own left side. Left hand
may be held above head, if desired. There is no contact with the
partner's left hand. Modifications/variations [e.g., arm placement,
left hips adjacent, etc.] exist.
Sombrero Position -- Partners are facing opposite directions with right
hips adjacent and right arm extended across the front of the partner's
waist with partner contact. Left arms are raised with a bend in the
elbow and curved upward and inward on dancer's own left side with the
hands overhead. There is light contact [fingertip or hand] with the
partner's left hand. Modifications/variations [e.g., arm placement,
left hips adjacent, etc.] exist.
Since these two positions are so similar, you can interchange them,
i.e. do Sombrero when Bolero Position is cued and vice versa.
Note that both are done in a “Bolero Banjo” or “Waist Swing Do-Sa-Do”
type position with partner to your right side but still in front of
your right waist/hip. Both your and your partner’s right arm goes
around in front of partner’s waist with right hand resting around
partner’s right hip.
Note also that the left arms/hands are preferably held above the head
with the arm curving inward. The definition does allow for “variations
in arm placement” but allowing the left arm to be straight instead of
curved or having the left hand only ear high or lower is less
attractive.
One thing not mentioned in the definitions is that you and your partner
should look at each other. Not only does this have a better looking
line, but looking at partner also tends to turn your body toward
partner making it easier to do the one figure that is usually done in
Bolero or Sombrero Position -- i.e. Wheel .
SHADOW versus SKATERS Position --
Curt Worlock once stated that the difference between Shadow Position
and Skaters Position is that in Skaters the couple is very close – even
close enough to have body contact – with man’s right hand on the front
on the lady’s right hip. However, in Shadow the couple is further apart
with the man’s right hand on the lady’s back. Curt & Tammy Worlock
are not only one of the world’s leading round dance teachers, but they
are the couple that is pictured in the Roundalab Glossary’s definitions for most of the positions.
Curt was making a dance technique point that in order to do a figure
like “2 Shadow Right Turns”, the couple should be close in “Skaters”
and not loose as in “Shadow”. Maintaining contact with partner helps
the couple turn “as one” throughout the figure.
Note however, that this distinction between Shadow Position and Skaters Position is not evident in the Roundalab definitions.
Roundalab’s definition for Shadow Position is: “Partners are facing
same direction, woman to the right and slightly forward of the man.
Amount of partner contact varies. Some choreography may have no partner
contact. However, contact is often preferred to enable leading and
following. (Note the picture of Shadow in Roundalab’s Glossary has
Curt’s right hand on Tammy’s back).
Roundalab’s definition for Skaters Position is: “Partners are facing
same direction, woman to the right and slightly forward of the man.
Man’s right arm is extended across the woman’s back. Woman’s right hand
placement is personal choice, and may be placed palm out on her waist
or upper right hip [partners’ right hands may be joined, if desired],
held beside her, extended to the side, used to flare her skirt [see
Skirt Skaters], etc. (Note the picture of Skaters in Roundalab’s
Glossary has Curt’s right hand on the front of Tammy’s right hip).
If you dance as in the pictures in the Glossary, you will be consistent
with how Curt Worlock describes Shadow and Skaters. But if you follow
the worded Roundalab definitions you might do just the opposite (i.e.
having body contact in the Shadow instead of Skater’s Position).
Curt Worlock’s interpretation of Skater’s makes sense, because if you
watch a pair of skater’s skate together, the man’s right hand will be
around the lady and placed on the front of her hip/waist – not on her
back – and will probably be in body contact. Note that the very popular
phase 4 rumba “Carnival” specifically states to do this in the cuesheet
to begin the dance although the position is called “Shadow” instead of
“Skaters”.
I recommend following Curt Worlock’s instruction, but realize that it
may take years to clarify the official definitions. At least we can all
agree that whether in Skaters or Shadow Position, both dancers are
facing same direction with left hands joined.
Tim
Eum has
prepared many Round Dance Tips for Calls 'n' Cues,
WASCA, for his weekly Rocket Rounds email reports, and for
other
publications.
DRDC is
grateful for permission to collect and reprint. A Tim Eum archive.
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