We have pretty much just started the latin dances and the figure 8 has been introduced me. I can seem to get it or understand how to practice this....

Can anyone give me advidse, tips, anything.. After dancing international standard for 10 years this is a whole new concept for me.

Thanks

What is the figure 8?

As I recall, it's a coupling of underarm turns in the Rhythmic Cha Cha with one performed on the left side of the chasse' and the other on the right end. I seem to remember that you can put in as many underarm turns as you wish.

The circular movements of the man's left hand over the lady's head as he leads the turns suggest a numeral '8'.

jj

Astair. The figure eight is also called the infinity sign. Another way of putting it in writting. Is . If you had two pencils on your belt each side of your naval and you moved your left hip as if to draw the infinity sign going anti- clock to your left and clockwise to your right. Count 2 3 4 1 with a movement on every beat.It should go through the shape of a figure 8 flat on its back with you in the middle. Keep your shoulders fairly in place. Do the movement with the hips. And make sure you keep it to the front. Don't let your butt go outside your own centre. Don't let it go out the back
If you go to the Learning Centre. Click on Latin Motion( have plenty of paper in your printer). After.Then look at Learn the Dances. Choose International Rumba. Bearing in mind what you have read look at the movement of the hips.
And remember this. It cannot be succesfully learn without expert instruction. Most beginners will do the movement far to big. Stay in the middle of that figure 8 and go around your own centre. It is not a Roller Coaster. I hope this helps. It's not that easy to write. The next question would be . When do we do this. Answer the hips keep working all the time even on a Front and Back Basic. As I said . Look at the examples on this site and study. Good Luck.

Do you mean the hip movement...like in cucarachas?

Belle, I think that this is what you mean: Chmerkovskiy demos the figure 8.

jj

Jofjonesboro. That is a perfect demonstration of the figure 8 that you posted.. For others . Go back one place and click on the link. I suppose we have to remember that not everybody has access to youtube material. Even if that is not so. Use this site . It's all there.