I have a question...what is the correct possition of the man in the right lunge pose. Are shoulders, hips and legs in one line or does the man have to turn his hips slightly to the right? We were discussing this last night, because if the man keeps all his body in one line while lowering, it looks a bit stiff.

Thanks for your help!
Alice

Hi,
I first saw the lunge danced in the late 50's. At that time, I believe, it was only used in the Tango. Later it became popular in the other dances were the body was turned to the right at the end of the lunge and became known as the Lunge Roll. This body action made the line look a lot softer. Also at this time the gent started to tilt the body by lowering the right side. This enabled the lady to further extend her top line. Further developments was the Same Foot Lunge. The most common fault when dancing the lunge was to lower after the step was taken. Practice the lunge by dancing from a lowered position by first flexing the left knee. Although the lunge is danced laterally, the step is still dance with a heel lead. Happy New Year.

If it were a wrong foot lunge the man would have to turn his hips to give the lady support. Also remember there are no down lines in Ballroom dancing. They are all up. Look over the ladies head. I have a score of demonstrations on lunges from tapes produced by Hearn and Spencer featuring Marcus Hilton which I believe are still available.

"Ballroom lines" is the tape, and ther's a later version, but the first one is pretty good.
I've been taught that, in the same foot lunge, my shoulders should stay horizontal and NEVER let my right arm drop, even though it's tempting to do so because of the lady's position. And Don is right - everything is "up".
My first new year resolution is NEVER NEVER NEVER look at the floor, but to inspect the ceiling lights while i'm dancing!