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Traveling Bota Fogos Forward

Samba Traveling Bota Fogos Forward

The Samba Traveling Bota Fogos Forward is Newcomer Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, and movement, technique; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader
Step Timing Movement
Turn
  Footwork Notes
1
 1
 RF fwd in CBMP, OP, Facing DC No turn BF Lead with a weight change. See Technique note below.
2
 a
 LF to side without weight. Toe pointing DC. Body facing LOD. 1/4 to R over 2 & 3 Pressure on IE of T Retain tone in arms, it's more like a fwd step than a side step. (fwd step, then turn. After turning, the previous step would be like a side step.)
3
 2
 Take minimal weight to LF and replace weight to RF. Facing DW
BF Lead with weight change, RF flat, heel down.
Trailing foot - create leg line - very important. Do not swivel LF.
4
 1
 LF fwd in CBMP, OP on L side. Facing DW. No turn BF Lead with weight change
5
 a
 RF to side without weight. Toe pointing DW. Body facing LOD 1/4 to L over 5&6 Presure on IE of T Retain tone in arms
6
 2
 Take minimal weight to RF, and replace weight to LF. Facing DC
BF Lead with weight change

Follower

Step Timing Movement
Turn
  Footwork Notes
1
 1
 LF back in CBMP. Backing DC No turn BF
2
 a
 RF to side without weight. RF backing DW. Body backing LOD 1/4 turn to right over 2&3 Pressure on I/E of Toe
3
 2
 Take minimal weight to RF and replace weight to LF. Backing DW
BF
4
 1
 RF back in CBMP. Backing DW. No Turn  BF
5
 a
 LF to side without weight. RF backing DC. Body backing LOD 1/4 turn to L over 5&6 Pressure on I/E of T
6
 2
 Take minimal weight to LF and replace weight to RF. Backing DC
BF

Notes:
  • Commence in Closed Position, use bounce action.
  • Technique: Going forward (diagonal)  keep hands to the side.
    • Starting position: R leg back, R hip high, compress R side down to high hip, R hip rotated. L leg bent, LF flat, pay attention to ankle, leg line.
    • "&": pendulum action forward. bounce, 
      • hip has both the diagonal pendulum action, as well as rotating action.
      • Hip changes from R hip high in back, neutral height, at the same time, hip rotates and comes to neutral to body
    • "a": Prep foot: twist L hip to back, hip rotation to send the other foot forward, emphasize hip rotation. Ribs, shoulders move less. the foot stepping forward start on a straight leg. both leg straight, both heels up. Dancing R side fwd, opposition with
    • "1": Slide RF even more fwd, bend knees; back leg straight, hip turn out. swivel back foot, leg line. The heel of the front foot should touch floor.
    • "&": pendulum action forward, raise the heel of front foot, it is not flat-footed movement.
    • "a": hip rotation to send other foot forward, in the same direction as the motion (not to the side), place partial weight (leg stays straight), then hips turn 90 degrees.
    • "2": step the other foot. back foot is turned out, leg line. 
    • Body change direction  (with the hip)
  • Arms:
    • straight out when partner is on the other side
    • straight up when partner is on the side of the arm.
  • Lead for changing from Boto Fogos to Voltas is very subtle - lower the hand.
    • Lady assumes continuing with Boto Fogo, use visual and hand lead and finish to volta, if she senses more turn and man is going to the same direction.
  • Footwork on steps 2 and 5 were taught to us in private lessons differently than the official syllabus. Using compass directions, where LOD is N, on step 2, LF to side would seem to mean LF is SW of RF. However, in lessons, we were taught step 2 goes W or W by NW. Specifcally, left leg should swing through and forward. This would mean step 2 would be modified to LF side and slightly fwd. This interpretation was verified with online video from a reputable instructor.
  • Can be danced on same foot as partner when in R Shadow Position.
    • Same foot Bota Fogo commenced with LF may be turned 1/8 or 1/4 to L, leading Lady to turn strongly to L towards end of step 1, then releasing hold (Lady turn 5/8 or 3/4 to L). End in R Contra Position taking normal hold.
    • Similar (opposite) for Bota Fogo commenced with RF.