Any dancer aiming at a high standard of ballroom dancing must understand the theory and practice of contrary body movement (CBM). CBM is brought about by turning the body slightly, from the hips up, so that the opposite hip and shoulder are turned towards the moving leg. Understanding and applying this cocept on all basic figures will improve the lead and follow and also produce better turning figures (e.g natural spin turn).
The 4 ways that CBM can be used are as follows:
step forward RF, turning L hip and shoulder forward
step forward LF, turning R hip and shoulder forward
step back RF, turning the L hip and shoulder back
step back with LF, turning the R hip and shoulder back
CBM must not be used indiscriminately; it is asomething which should only be used in a natural, effotless manner. Remember that the opposite hip and shoulder should turn as the step is taken, and not afterwards, and, once again, remember that the whole body from the hips up must be turned very slightly. It is a common fault to break at the waist, turning the shoulders only.
You can help teh CBM by allowing the back foot to turn inwards very slightly. Actually it will only be pointing teh way you are facing, but if you think of it as being turned inwards it will help to produce the CBM. There is a natural tendency to turn the back foot out; this must be corrected because it will prevent the hips turning together with the shoulders.
Try to work through some of your figures, thinking about where and when to apply CBM (especially your turning figures...natural, reverse, impetus, telemark, spin turn)
Remember to ask me if you're not sure.
Hope this helps.
John
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