Log In

Username:

Password:

   Stay logged in?

Forgot Password?

User Status

 

Attention

 

Recover Password

Username or Email:

Loading...
Change Image
Enter the code in the photo at left:

Before We Continue...

Are you absolutely sure you want
to delete this message?

Premium Membership

Upgrade to
Premium Membership!

Renew Your
Premium Membership!

$99
PER YEAR
$79
PER YEAR
$79
PER YEAR

Premium Membership includes the following benefits:

Don't let your Premium Membership expire, or you'll miss out on:

  • Exclusive access to over 1,620 video demonstrations of patterns in the full bronze, silver and gold levels.
  • Access to all previous variations of the week, including full video instruction of man's and lady's parts.
  • Over twice as many videos as basic membership.
  • A completely ad-free experience!

 

Sponsored Ad

Loading...

13. Offset Breaks

Also known as Shoulder to Shoulder, Offset Breaks are a series of rock steps taken in "offset" in an outside partner position, alternating from left to right outside partner position. It is more typical for the man to rock forward outside partner on the lady's right or left side as written in the charts, but it is also possible for the lady to rock forward outside the man's right or left side.

To dance an Offset Break to right, the man will step side & slightly forward on his right foot (slow), turning 1/8 to right preparing to step outside partner on the lady's left side. He then takes his forward rock step outside partner LF, RF (quick, quick). The couple then returns to inline/facing position by turning 1/8 to left to step to the side (or side & slightly forward if following with an Offset Break to left). The lady's part is the natural opposite of the man's.

The Offset Break to left is the same pattern taken in the opposite direction, whereby the man turns 1/8 to left to dance his forward rock outside partner on the lady's right side. The two breaks are often danced in pairs, and can be repeated as desired. The Offset Break to left can also be followed by figures beginning back on the man's right foot, such as 4-6 Rumba Box.

Man Back Variation

To dance the variation where the man breaks backward, he must turn in the opposite direction as for the forward break. For example, for the Offset Break to right, the man would turn 1/8 to left, taking a step side and slightly back (lady side and slightly forward) in preparation to lead the lady to step forward outside his right side.

Variations of Hold

Offset Breaks can be danced in either closed or open facing position. When dancing in closed position, it is popular (but not necessary) to drop the LH-RH hold down to waist level or even slightly below. It is also popular to bring the partner in slightly closer than normal, for a more intimate or playful interpretation.

When danced in open position, a two-hand hold is highly recommended. Here too, it is popular to drop the joined hands to waist level or slightly below, moving in slightly closer than normal.

 

Copyright  ©  1997-2024 BallroomDancers.com