The body has two sides: The left side and the right side (see diagram 1-1). These two sides of the body have a constant, ongoing relationship as you move.

diagram 1-1

Rotationally speaking, each of the two sides of the body can do one of two things:

• Move Forward
• Move Backward
• Remain in Place

The quality of rotation relies on which of these three actions each of the sides of the body takes. Based on this, the resulting action of the body as a whole can be pure progression, pure rotation, or a combination of both.

EXAMPLES Example 1-2 When both sides of the body move forward equally, the result is pure progression. Example 1-3 When one side of the body moves forward while the other moves backward, the result is pure rotation (on the spot). Example 1-4 When both sides of the body move forward with one side moving faster than the other, theresult is progressive rotation.

For our purposes, we will be thinking of rotation as being one of two varieties:

• Spot Rotation
• Progressive Rotation

SPOT ROTATION
Spot rotation occurs any time the body turns in place, without traveling. In most cases, this means that the body weight remains over one foot. It is possible to have spot rotation with the weight held between the feet (as in a "Twist Turn") or shifting slightly from foot to foot (as in a "Fleckerl"), but for this lesson we will be focusing more on the rule than the exceptions. Just think of spot rotation as rotation which occurs over a fixed point in space.

PROGRESSIVE ROTATION
Progressive rotation occurs as the body is traveling, and therefore takes place between steps, or over a series of two or more steps. Chainé turns, Pivots, and even the Waltz Box Step are all examples of progressive rotation.

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