Figures Without Phase Ratings

AERIAL TELESPIN: This figure can be used in place of the Mini or regular Telespin but must have a preparation placement in order to lead it properly. For our description we will start from the usual compact SCP with weight on the man's R and the lady's L with the man's L slightly back from a normal Telemark ending and both retaining a higher body line than normal. As weight is taken on the L he starts a LF rotation with a softening of the L knee but no sway as the body is slightly forward. Ladies take a small step on the ball of the R to prepare going around the man but remaining in SCP. Step 2 is a turning in place on the man's L where he will end with his R to the side and slightly forward using the inside of the toe with some floor pressure. When he feels the lady take weight on her L he will straighten his L leg and give a hip lead on the right side to force the lady into her aerial ronde. Ladies must step across the man's line on their L with full rise (ball of foot) and then develop the momentum for the aerial ronde on the R using the Eros position (= toe pointed away from the body and higher than the knee from the floor). The amount of turn on this step is 3/8+ for the man and approximately 5/8 LF for the lady.

On step 3, the man transfers weight to the ball of the R as his turn continues for up to 1/2 LF, ending with a lowering to the heel as he stops the rotation. While lowering to the heel, he softens the R knee while lifting the R hip a little to create a left sway. This lead brings the lady's R leg down to a modified compact SCP with the inside edge of her R toe touching the floor.

Note: If started from DLC, the normal ending position would be DRC but could be underturned a little to face COH. This figure usually follows an Open Telemark where the bodies are not allowed to lower at the end, however, if taken from a lower position it can still be accomplished by having the lady take a side step on 2 rather than across body, thereby creating a mini version.

LEFT EROS: This is a challenge figure in contrast to the Right Eros, which is easier to do. The starting position would be in CP with weight on the ball of the man's R and lady's L. The free feet are to the side with some pressure on the inside edge of the toe. This could start from any position, but more often than not facing DLW or wall.

On step 1, the man straightens his L leg as weight is transferred to it in order to start the lady lifting her L leg. He rotates his body LF and at the same time shapes to the right (= right sway) with a slight upswing while keeping his R hip toward partner as weight is taken on the whole of the L foot. The toe of the R remains in contact with the floor on a turn of 1/8 LF or a little more, but never up to 1/4. Ladies pivot LF on the ball of the R as the L leg is brought backward with the knee moving around the body so that the toe is pointing outward and about the same distance from the floor. She has both foot and body rise as she looks well over her left shoulder (man looks by the lady's nose).

This completes the Left Eros but there must be a recovery step which would be step 2. Although it qualifies for a "picture figure," it never is held because of the dynamics of the movement. The man flexes his L knee and counters with a little RF rotation to bring the lady back to CP as she lowers her L and points to the side with it. The man must feel that the recovery is a left side movement but keeps the right side well to the lady as both foot and body rise are lost. His R is now pointing to the side, and of course, no sway.

DROPKICK: This entails a rather dramatic kick for the lady but if thought of as an extended Develope, it doesn't seem quite so theatrical. It is a ballroom figure that would be sparingly used in round dancing, however, with all the variations now being presented, it will find a home soon.

The starting position is from compact SCP where the weight is on the man's R and lady's L. Step 1 is a transfer of weight to the ball of the man's L with a slight body rise and a quick start of LF rotation as if leading the lady to a Hinge but keeping the body down and with no initial sway. This lead will cause the lady to lift her L with an outward swing but she will use a knee rise with toe pointing toward the standing foot. The man must keep his shoulders well back and look at the lady while she keeps her head well to the left. The right sway develops a little late for the man as the lady must feel a sequence of turn, rise, then a small left sway.

Step 2 is a quick drop into the man's L knee with a little LF turn while the upper body increases the right sway. This is the lead for the lady to flex her R knee and kick straight outward from the L knee as she leans well back into the man's hold. The man must follow his L knee and bring his body a little toward the lady while swiveling on the ball of the L to get a RF rotation and allowing his R to remain to the side with some toe pressure.

Note: The amount of turn would be 1/8 LF, then 1/8 RF for the man as the lady has a little more turn RF and LF respectively on 1 and 2. The recovery from the Dropkick would normally be to lose the sway and lead the lady a little RF in order to close her L to R, giving us identical footwork. A good figure to follow is the Same Foot Lunge, which we have previously described.

Next Time: Runaround

This column comes from a series published in Cue Sheet Magazine between 1987 and 1992, and is reprinted with permission. The full series is collected in an 86-pg booklet, available for $30.00 plus postage. E-mail Fran Kropf at cutecuer@cox.net. This article was published in the Dixie Round Dance Council (DRDC) Newsletter, March 2013.

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