Samba Whisk
The Samba Whisk 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.
There are 2 styles of Whisks:
Style 1 - bigger figure 8 hip movement
LeaderClosed Position, use bounce action. Alignments: Facing Wall, or other alignments can be used.
| Step |
Timing |
Movement
|
Turn
|
Footwork |
Notes |
1
|
1
|
LF to side
|
|
BF
|
Whisk to Left
|
2
|
a
|
RF behind LF w/o weight (cuban cross)
|
|
T (pressure) |
|
3
|
2
|
take minimal weight to RF and replace weight to LF
|
|
BF |
|
| 4 |
1 |
RF to side |
|
BF |
Whisk to Right |
| 5 |
a |
LF behind RF w/o weight (cuban cross) |
|
T (pressure) |
|
| 6 |
2 |
take minimal weight to LF and replace weight to RF |
|
BF |
|
Follower
| Step |
Timing |
Movement
|
Turn
|
Footwork |
Notes |
1
|
1
|
RF to side |
|
BF |
Should end "1" on counter promenade position (body turns less, hip turns 1/8 more).
Rib cage is to the right, L hip left behind, lifted, squeeze L side, L hip up high, and L leg is elongated to create long leg line.
Always hold on "1" for 3/4 beat. until the "a" count to move LF. Do not release LF early.
|
2
|
a
|
LF behind RF w/o weight (cuban cross) |
|
T (pressure) |
Hip continue to do figure 8: send hip to right and forward and then back
LF to cuban cross position behind RF, do not step too big, L hip figure 8 action
Alternatively, lady can do underarm turn to R. See note below. |
3
|
2
|
take minimal weight to LF and replace weight to RF
|
|
BF |
at end of "2", flexed R knee; keep legs tight; hip finish one figure 8. and start moving the opposite direction.
|
| 4 |
1 |
LF to side |
|
BF |
Alternatively, lady can do underarm turn to L, which is a slower turn than turning to R (Lady is already in CPP.) See note below.
|
| 5 |
a |
RF behind LF w/o weight (cuban cross) |
|
T (pressure) |
|
| 6 |
2 |
take minimal weight to RF and replace weight to LF |
|
BF |
|
Style 2 - bigger bounce action
Using Lady's steps as example: | Step | Timing | Movement
| Turn
| Footwork | Notes | 1
| 1
| RF to side |
| BF | Starting position: cuban cross position (RF cross behind LF), both knees bent, L hip higher.
From previous beat "&":
- "&a": Prepare: start rising, straightening knee, while rotating L hip to L (more to L side, do not over rotate to back, hips are in more neutral position at this time),
- The action makes R leg goes to side, straight R leg, no weight (weight is still on LF), both heels are up. Do not stick butt out back. Keep toes on floor (not in the air during the movement.)
- 1", weight switch to RF, compress tummy, both knees bent forward, knees more forward and free. bigger bounce action.
- Neck/shoulder are free, relaxed, not held stiff
Next "&: start rising
| 2
| a
| LF behind RF w/o weight (cuban cross) |
| T (pressure) | LF cuban cross behind RF, do not step too big, do not step too big. or too far behind, both heels up, L hip figure 8 action, finish L hip to back. | 3
| 2
| take minimal weight to LF and replace weight to RF
|
| BF | at end of "2", flex R knee; heels lower, hip finish one figure 8. and start moving the opposite direction.
| | 4 | 1 | LF to side |
| BF |
| | 5 | a | RF behind LF w/o weight (cuban cross) |
| T (pressure) |
| | 6 | 2 | take minimal weight to RF and replace weight to LF |
| BF |
|
Notes:
- Whisk (in all dances) is used to change position. So you want to go to counter promenade position on one side, and promenade position on the other side.
- Lady's Underarm Turn to R: While Man does whisk to L, lady can do underarm turn to R: use the rise of the first step to make the turn:
- slow turn: "and": turn 1/4 to R, "a 2": turn 3/4 to R
- sharp turn:
- Focus head/eyes at Man, spot, turn shoulder to R first, then sharp turn, leg follow. Head is straight up (don't do shape as in Standard).
- RF almost stays same place. Ending RF cross in front of LF, knees tucked.
- By "a", should already finish the turn, face partner, do not under turn.
- Lady's Underarm Turn to L: While Man does whisk to R, Lady can do underarm turn to L when stepping LF to side.
- When Man raises the arm, start turning to L, shape upper body to L and back, stretch R side, head looking to left, turn 1/4 to L, LF is a fwd step.
- Keep turning, RF press floor (after turning another 1/4 L, RF fwd, away from Man, then continue 1/2 to L to turn to face partner), regain normal shaping. Slide LF cross in front of RF, knees tucked.
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