Forward Ochos

Forward (Front) Ochos

Start:

• Many entrances to forward ochos. Example: 

  • from 8-step basic, after Cruzada cross.

  • from Lady does standard RF to side, then Bolero with LF, twist to start fwd ochos with LF.

Lady:

• RF crosses in front, extend straight R leg, distinct moment showing leg extension. L leg is flexed/slightly bent, but don't lower too much.

  • Angle: If standing on a long board, the standard front ochos has the foot pointing and stepping on the same board.

  • When bending L knee to extend R leg further, do not drop down knee, instead, think about bending knee forward by lifting the heel. Should not be downward heavy feeling. Should be upward lifting feeling even when L knee is bending.

  • Shoulder counter balance the leg, opposition (partner wouldn't feel being pulled) Keep lifted straight posture, do not stick hip forward.

• Then transfer weight onto the extended R leg, still keeping it pretty straight, at this time keep back leg (L leg) straight in the back extended (distinct moment showing leg extension), thighs tight together, before hip is turning.

• Knees are always soft, not locked. Steps may not need to be big, don't need to go down too much.

• Move weight onto RF, start with a straight R leg

  • Collect L leg behind R leg ("T"), draw the L knee to the standing R knee (the moving knee is slightly relaxed), L knee slightly bent, over rotate upper body first (very twisted upper body) which brings hip to rotate, don't try to swing hips to help with twist. hip will keep over rotating  to R,  it becomes very twisted position on the other side. 

  • Then bend standing leg knee (R knee) (bending gives it more twisted effect, can swivel on straight R leg as well) and extend the other leg (LF) forward and across.

  • Do not bend "down" or drop knee down, think about lifting up the heel and bend the knee, so head height doesn't change.

  • Hip: twist more  while keeping head and body as much to Man as possible during swivel. 

  • L leg extend fwd and across, make sure L knee is most on top of R knee, 2 thighs very tight, L leg crossing the line and point, wait till Man put weight onto LF.

    • with the leg/knee crossing the other, Lady doesn't have to pivot as much during front ochos.

    • Lady also uses the crossing more to adjust to create space with Man.

  • When extend L leg fwd, pull L shoulder back (partner feels more space), stretch L side. L rib is actually rather fwd, counter the L shoulder. It's only the L shoulder that is rolled backward, not the whole L side. 

  • R hip to R side, displaced, L hip tucked back, in a sitting and shifted to R position (L hip is not sticking fwd), this creates space. 

• Feet are together when twisting to change direction.

• When Lady's goes onto LF fwd swivel, when Man lifts and joins the lady with lift, it indicates finish. straighter knees, Lady can tap RF for embellishments

  • When rotating to close to face Man, Lady doesn't close hip, only at the end of rotation, Lady closes R hip a bit, but not fully parallel to Man, still keep R hip open a bit, so Man has room to walk. Keep shoulder rolled down.

  • After rotating, Lady is slightly pitched forward, both legs straight, leg line, RF "T" position, R shoulder and hip open to R.

• Pay special attention to leave arm to Man when doing swivel, less tension.  

  • Do not try to keep back/shoulder flat line like ballroom. Let arm breathe (contract or expand). 

  • Focus on keeping the hand position with Man. 

  • Hand: don't push and resist pressure, take in the lead, follow but keep soft.  Always keep "relaxed and connected" frame.

• Changing embrace: Embrace changes from closed embrace to open to closed etc in fwd and back ochos.

  • When RF fwd ocho to Man's R side, allow L arm to slide and open for open embrace (more space)

    • Showcase Lady's leg. Lady roll down L shoulder, signaling Man that she needs more space.

    • Man allow his arm to slide, giving Lady space, Lady slide her L arm on Man's R arm. 

    • Does not turn head much, head still to Man's neck center. Do not flip head left and right.

  • When  LF fwd ocho, L arm slides to closed embrace.

• Do not go into ochos with too much power.

• Ochos has a lot more hip action than body or arm action. Keep arm as steady as possible, leaving it with Man. Keep chest to partner as much as possible.

• Collect feet together in a T position, get on a axis, balanced, and wait, Man could do a quick twist/squeeze to change direction to back ochos. In this case, Lady over twists in one direction and then switch to the other. Man can also do multiple twists. So wait and listen.

• If Man holding Lady more up high, Lady can collect leg faster. But if Man gives time, Lady leaves leg behind in the cross scissor position longer (one knee is behind the other, not next to each other) while swiveling, leg behind is like a tail, tracking floor small ronde with knee behind until pivot is finished.

Lead

• At position 5 (cruzada), collect.

• Change weight to left foot, lead follower to uncross without changing weight.

• Step right, use both left and right hands to lead swivel. 

• Pull with left hand to lead follower's step forward.