Cha Cha Chasse to the right to be followed by a New York. If the New York
First step on two has no turn. Then I must turn on the on the (1) after the
4 and (1) to be able to step forward without turn on my LF on beat two.
Then ,If this is correct the same must apply on a Spot Turn. I think I am beginning to understand Gaynor Fairweather when she said we hate to see a swivel there.
To make the question clearer.Have we already turned to make the first step New York, left foot straight ahead without turn.

It's a matter of preference. Some people turn the chasse, others step directly to the side on 4&1 with no turn, waiting until the last possible moment to turn (which requires foot swivel). It depends on what you're after.

For social dancing, I think it's fine to relax the movement and open up prior to the forward rock on counts 2,3. Competitors generally won't, because it takes away from the speed and impact to telegraph the next movement ahead of time. (In fact, this is not a technique peculiar to the New York. Delaying the rotation until the last possible moment prior to the next step is common competitive Latin technique for many or most rotations).

It's interesting to note that the most current ISTD technique books actually split the difference. They want you to turn 1/8 between the "&" and the "1" count of the chasse, to end in open PP/CPP. Then another 1/8 between counts 1 and 2, to end in a side by side position. Of course, that, too, requires at least a little bit of swivel.

I had actually never heard of someone opposed to swiveling the foot on the end of count 1 into a New York. It's especially surprising to hear it from a seasoned competitive dancer. Are you sure you didn't misunderstand? If she actually meant just that, then is she recommending you turn 1/4 between the "&" and the "1" count prior? (The only other way to avoid swivel would be to step across yourself turned in).

As I said, there's nothing wrong with slow, relaxed rotation for social dancing. But I'm quite surprised to hear it recommended by a top competitive pro.

Regards,
Jonathan

Jonathan. The none swivel of the foot into a New York , Spot Turn. started a couple of weeks ago when I was told that we are always stepping straight ahead. This brought back to mind what I remember Gaynor saying on a IDSF competition where she was one of the commentators. So I've gone to the video Intermediate Latin American by Donnie Burns, and also Paul Killick disk 2003 World Super Stars. They all manage to have the foot pointing to where they are going which is into a straight step or if you like a Checked Walk, New York, or a Spot Turn. The turn out of the foot after stepping into the New York is as a Normal Walk. I can't see any swivel. Checking like this is is vey educational. I never noticed before how much space they have between the parnership, and that the foot is sometimes lifter slightly and placed in position. Maybe most of us are too close and have to swivel. I will find that comment by Gaynor I've got it taped somewhere. I'm pretty sure I didn't misunderstand. Best Wishes.

A little more on the above, or is it below. What I am seeing is a wider beginning which goes into a deep New York. We finish against LOD ( if we use Ballroom alignments) They finish Diagonal to the centre against LOD for the man. The distance between them is vast and the distance across from the outside hands and arms give them a very large wingspan. I will say this though. I am yet to find any of these top dancers who do a New York from a Back Basic.

Ahhh a good question...I'll give you an intelligent answer.

First anaylse a CHa Cha Chasse...regular flavor. Bear with me. QUES: On what count takes the longest portion of time? ANS: THe last step or count 1 of the chasse. Next think of the regular chasse itself. QUES: To where does it move? ANS: To the side. And which step is the long step because it has emphasis and to where does it go? Last step count 1 and to the side for a big movement on count.

Now that we have established this the NY is mainly just an ending to a chasse danced TO THE SIDE. In which case the turn to CPP or PP occurs mainly after the significant portion of count 1. In other words focus on getting the cahsses count 1 nicely side, then swivel thru for count 2 of the rock step.

TO dance otherwise is to "water down" the chasse. Yes...I know inexpereinced dancers turn the entire chasse....but when you do you leave behind all movement in exchange for "watered down" rotation about essentially a point.

Dancing Dave. Since I first started this one I have been looking and checking. A New York Rumba or Cha is a Checked Forward Walk.On a Forward Walk we have no swivell, in fact you would not look right if you did. So the step comes first , the turnout of the rear foot comes after. Exactly like a walk down the floor. To do it correctly will give you a much bigger New York and would be taken if we had alignaments, diag to wall against the LOD. for the lady. The man diag to center against the LOD.This would be from facing the wall for the man. Doing it this way in the Rumba will give you an opportunity to really work on it because of the slower tempo. And your recovery will be far bigger. For the doubtfull ones among us. A Spot Turn is a Forward Walk Turning I don't think any of us would swivell there, would we??