rolling the foot in Cuban motion
Posted by surrender
9/11/2006
8:38:00 PM

Edit Delete Reply New Topic
I'm a beginner...very excited and happy to be learning to dance, especially the Latin dances. I could never find the words to express how learning to dance at this late stage, has changed my life.
Since I can't afford private lessons, and have limited time due to my responsibilities, I take group lessons when able, and often search the internet to get tips on technique.
My question is about Cuban Motion. I'm doing OK with the bending and straightening the knees, and the ball to heel movement...the hips are moving. I'm practicing with out turned feet, trying to keep the knees pointing in but the info about the rolling of the foot seems contradictory. Some sources and the group instructor say to step down on the inner edge of the big toe and to roll the foot OUTWARD in the direction of the little toe to the middle of the ball of the foot...but not to roll all the way out to the little toe, if I understand it correctly.
The tips on this site about Cuban Motion, however,(again, if I understood it correctly) seem to say that the correct way is to step down on the middle of the ball of the foot and roll the foot INWARD toward the inner edge of the big toe.
Which is correct?...or are there two ways or styles to do it...or...do you do both, that is would you roll the ball of the foot from the inner edge of the big toe, to the middle of the ball of the foot and then back again?
I realize this sounds stupid. I'm sure most of you are very experienced dancers...but I'm anxious to hear your answers. For some reason, even though I dance only for enjoyment rather than for competition; it's important to me to dance correctly.I'd feel so fulfilled if I could learn that beautiful, smooth flowing, stylish hip motion. I appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Surrender. I don't know if I am reading your submission correctly. If you use the inside edge of the big toe you can't stay there can you. You must get the rest of the foot on the floor. In my book it says ball flat. I was at a lecture by Alan Fletcher who said that if he were to write a book he would change BF into inside edge of big toe. But as I said you must get the rest of your foot onto the floor. This is without thinking about it. As you are a beginner there is another place which is being done contary to the manual. That is the Cha Cha Chasse which says BF BF BF.But is now BF B BF. Go to the learning section and see for yourself.Or buy a DVD by Slavik.Best of Luck.

Thanks for the reply and info...I've seen the Slavik DVD mentioned several times, so I will definitely check it out. Is that the "authoritative" DVD guide to Latin dancing?

Yes I think I understand the ball flat technique. I'll try to expalin my question better. I've read and been instructed that there's more to it than than simply ball flat...

that as you begin to place the ball of the foot on the floor, you would simultaneousely be rolling the ball of the foot from the big toe edge of the foot and outward toward the middle of the ball of the foot...as I have been told or read several times,

OR

the seeming contradictory descrption I read of Latin Motion (on THIS site,if you want to check it out in the Learning Center)...SEEMS to indicate that...

as you are placing the ball of the foot down on the floor you would simultneously be rolling from the MIDDLE of the ball TOWARD (instead of away from) the big toe edge of the ball of the foot...so now I'm confused. Both descriptions use the term..."as if smashing a grape". Both descriptions indicate that the "grape smashing" technique creates correct hip motion. At some point i will try to take a private lesson on Latin motion, but in the mean time,I'm already dancing and practicing and don't want to practice a technique the wrong way, if I can help it, and then heve to try to "unlearn" it. Has anyone else heard of any of either of these "grape smashing" techniques?

LuvLatin

i just re-read your reply and realize that actually did understand and answer my original question. Thank you, so much!
That's interesting about the cha cha chasse....another technique I've been trying to refine.

Surrender. The only sqashing of a piece of fruit that I have come across is on a Rumba Backward Walks, or a Back Basic. At this stage it might be worth quoting Alan Fletcher who says in the Rumba, every step is either a Forward or Backward Walk. A New York is a Forward Walk checked. A Spot Turn is a Forward Walk Turning. If you turn 1/4 of a turn between a front and back basic you will see what he means by a forward or a backward Walk. There is supposed to be a turn on those steps. To do them square is not according to the book. The Slavik DVD is called Inovation. One DVD for each of the five dances. Each runs for about one and a half hours. hours. Also from the disk. With the front foot in place, the rear foot nailed to the floor at the toe. Move the body weight forward to the point of imbalance. You will find that the heel of the rear foot is about as high as it can go. You will find that your right hip is higher than your left. On and and count, bring the hip into a Neutral position with the foot, which still retains its high shape with the hips now level. The moving foot will brush close to the supporting foot ready to repeat. These days because the dancers hold onto that (and) count on the 4 & 1 &, the next step is fast. There is your musical interpretation. Its all on the disk. If you want to look different to the others hold onto the 4 1 as long as possible and then hit that beat two, then slow down on three. Best of luck.