Hi everyone, just searching for some devine inspiration to keep my desperation at bay...

After several lessons with 4 different teachers, I have come away with 4 differnt opinions on a basic forward walk. I know that after 10 years of competing I should have got it sussed (!) but if anyone has any ideas or comments then please let me know!

So, each selection offers a brief description of the front foot and the "way" of movement"... I guess they're all right in a way, but it would improve my practice if I had just one theme to concentrate on.

Many thanks

PS: As the body never stops moving, the example I would like to use is a forward walk on RF, on a full beat (not "a")

fao: Twnkltoz

Sorry, should have explained this more clearly. As you explained I would describe a side lead as a rib-cage kinda thing.

As always, this would be much easier to demonstrate than explain! Thanks for everyone's poll answers though...

Sarah: yep, it's latin. Although one teacher was keen on pointing out that he finds it quite similar to a foxtrot feather action...

Social dancer: thanks you for a much more concise explanation, that was what i was trying to ask in a round-a-bout way! I can appreciate the odd-looking action of a forward side action, but I was assured that it would only be for a split second.

You should keep in mind that "side leading" results naturally from keeping your upper body perpendicular to the direction of your walk. It helps complete the settling action in your hip. So you can have one coach tell you to lead with your side and another tell not to turn shoulders. They are both telling you to do the same thing but have different ways to express it.

Blair