Hi, everyone,

I have just learned the figure "Big Top" lately and found it a little bit difficult. Would you please tell me what is the secret to dance this figure.

Thanks a lot!

Rumbalei

A typical problem for men is the maintaining of the promenade position, in particular the rightward twist of the upper body, as they rotate to the left between step 1 on the RF and 2 of the LF. The upper body typically wants to take part in the leftward rotation, causing it to square off to the body, and ultimately pulling the lady out of position. As with any promenade figure, no matter which direction the rotation of the whole body unit, the upper body must be turned as far to the right of the lower body as possible.

Another typical problem for men is the feet between 1 and 2. The right foot must pivot after taking weight, with the left foot held in CBMP. I see some men not turn the right foot enough, or sometimes not soon enough. It has to twist very deliberately against the floor, and it has to always be in advance of the body, rotationsally speaking. Sometimes I notice a problem with the left foot being held to the floor as the right foot twists, taking it out of CBMP. In order to keep the left foot in CBMP, it must trace along the floor in a circular motion as the right foot pivots, not by trying to trace a circle, but by simply holding it in CBMP.

From 2 to 3 the left foot often ends up hooking behind the right, rather than moving back in CBMP. A good way to get a feel for the correct action between 2 and 3 is to have the lady stand on 1 foot while you continually walk backwards around her (in dance position -- fallaway, actually). Each step should be back, although the left foot will be in CBMP and the right foot will be tracked slightly wide. If you can keep the lady balanced on her foot, and each time you step to the LF it feels like a back step rather than a hook, you've got the right feeling for step 3 of the Big Top.

As for step 4, well, that should feel like a basic slip pivot. If you're good at slip pivots and you've mastered steps 1-3 of the Big Top as described above, you should be home free. If the slip pivot gives you trouble, then that, I suppose, is a discussion for another day (or another thread).

Regards,
Jonathan Atkinson

Dear Jonathan,

Thank you so much for your perfect explanation. whenever you have time, please tell me the techniques used for fallaway reverse turn with slip pivot.

Best regards,

Rumbalei from Macao

Would someone please provide a detailed description of the steps in the Big Top.
Thanks, Lee

Hi, Leetout,
The following description is one that was written by the late Phyllis Haylor in 1959. If you know some of the history of the English style then you will know that she is considered to be an icon. The following description is part of a Waltz group and she wrote: ‘Following the Fallaway and Reverse Pivot there is the now fashionable Open Telemark to Big Top and Contra Check. In this instance, however, as the timing is straightforward and the amount of turn less than normally danced in this group, the average dancer, reading from these notes, should find he can manage this advanced idea without the usual difficulties that might confront him if trying to make a complete turn on the Big Top.'
Open Telemark.
Dance three steps of the Open Telemark taking the third step to side and slightly back, pointing diag to wall, body facing wall. (Timing 1.2.3.)
The Big Top. (Gent)
1. RF fwd & across in CBMP & PP, down the LOD, commencing to turn body to left.
2. Still turning body to left, cross LF behind RF, now backing wall.
3 Continue to turn to left on ball of LF, RF short step back, end facing DC ALOD.
Continue with the Contra Check.
The Big Top (Lady)
1. LF fwd in CBMP and PP, commencing to turn to left at the end of the step. Heel rising to ball of foot.
2 Continuing to turn on the ball of LF, RF to side & slightly back, well round partner.
3 As turn is completed backing DC ALOD, LF crosses in front of RF. Ball of foot lowering the heel as RF moves back for the Contra Check.
Tango Timing: Open Telemark. Q.Q.S.
Big Top: S.Q.Q. into step 1 of Contra Check. S.

Thank you luv2Dance, very informative!
Lee