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    American Style Foxtrot
    Foxtrot Variation 1
    Foxtrot Variation 1
    At a Glance

    Overturned Twinkle (Traveling Contra Check), Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs with RH-RH hold, Lady's Inside Underarm Turn (double hand-hold), Change of Places to cuddle position (lady behind), Cuddly Lunge Thing, Lady's Underarm Swivel, Free Spin to Left, Curved Feather (Hairpin), Hesitation Change.

    This mini-routine has several elements that are well-suited for a showcase performance. But for those who find them too showy or too difficult (or both), they can be modified to suit anybody's ability and tastes.

    The combination begins with an overturned Twinkle, which when danced as described in the man's and lady's charts, is known by International dancers as a Traveling Contra Check. It begins in closed position with man facing line of dance, and step 1 is taken in CBMP with a rightward sway for the man (left for lady) -- similar to the way one begins a Contra Check. But instead of checking and replacing weight to the back foot, step 2 continues to travel, with man taking a small step diagonally forward, lady side & slightly back, turning to promenade position. Step 3 is taken down line of dance in promenade position, like a silver level Twinkle.

    This is followed by a set of Promenade and Counter-Promenade Runs with a slight variation: The man will release his right hand from the lady's back during the first run (promenade to counter-promenade), swicthing instead to a RH-RH hold to lead the figure.

    After returning to promenade position, the man will lead the lady to dance a basic Underarm Turn to Left, taking a LH-LH hold over the top of the RH-RH hold. The resulting hand hold is a double hold with crossed hands. At the completion of the lady's turn, the man loops his right hand over his own head, leading the lady to step behind his back as he passes in front of her. They end in shadow position, lady behind man, with a double hold.

    The man then uses the double hold to wrap the lady's arms around his shoulders. This pulls her into body contact, with her body weight completely supported on him as he steps forward with his left foot into a strong lunge (see photo). To exit, he replaces his weight back to the right foot. When he has recovered his weight to an upright, standing position and the lady is once again on her own feet, they take a RH-RH hold, and he leads her to step forward on her right foot and dance an underarm swivel to right, to end facing.

    They then transition to closed position once again, the man taking 3 steps down line of dance (LRL) as he leads her to dance a 4-step free turn to her left (LRLR). When he picks her up in dance hold, he is facing diagonal wall, prearing to step outside partner. The variation concludes with a Curved Feather and Hesitation Change.

    To make this combination more appropriate for social dancing, or to make it easier for bronze-level dancers, try any or all of the following modifications:

    • Begin facing diagonal wall and substitute a basic bronze or silver Twinkle for the overturned Twinkle over steps 1-3.
    • As shown on the video clip, dance the combination around corners. The Flip-Flops, the Hairpin and the Hesitation Change are much easier to do when underturned.
    • The man can take a smaller lunge, or skip the lunge altogether.
    • If the man does take a full lunge, the lady can slide her left foot forward and support her own weight.
    • Substitute a basic Right Box Turn or Progressive Quarter Turns for the Hairpin and Hesitation Change over steps 22-26.

     

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