Type Turn, Combo
Level Level 5 Intermediate
Other Names The Octopus (when done twice or more), Reverse Pretzel
Comes From Butterfly Open Position, Hammerlock, Sliding Door
Leads To Butterfly Open Position, Hammerlock, Toss Away Spin
In the Pretzel, the leader and follower’s hands are connected in open position, and through a series of turns they turn back-to-back and then wrap around to Open Position.
Continue reading “Pretzel”
Hey, y’all!
Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. My daily life has become more hectic since taking on two dance teaching gigs on top of my day job. It wears me out, but I am having a lot of fun meeting new people and helping them to catch the “dance bug.” Once I settle into a groove, I plan on making more videos and posts for the website–tutorials, dance demos, and more. I have a lot of big plans, I just need the time and resources… anyone have a cloning machine handy?
Anyway, today I wanted to announce the official launch of the new domain…
Continue reading “CountryTwoStepSwing.com is now CountrySwingAZ.com!”
Do you have two left feet? Take your footwork from fumbling to floating on air with my new footwork course. The best part is you can do this all by yourself from the comfort of your own home!
Continue reading “Footwork”Type Lean
Level Beginner 3
Other Names
Comes From R-to-R Open Position, Belt Loop,
Leads To Open Facing,
This move begins the same way as the Bow & Arrow, but instead of the lead pushing the follow away, the lead makes the follow lean on his side. It can be followed up with some pretty dips and turns to make for a well-polished combo.
Continue reading “Shoulder Lean”Have you been stepping out of time with the music? Struggling to fit your new dance moves into two-step rhythms? This basic step pattern in Country Swing can give you a framework for all your country moves to keep you in sync. How? Hint: it’s based on The New York Hustle.
Continue reading “Basic Country Swing Step”Type Aerial, Flip
Level Advanced 7
Other Names Basic Flip
Comes From Open Position, Cuddle
Leads To Open Position, Airplane, Texas Star
Looking to learn flips in Country Swing? This is the easiest to learn and incorporate into your dancing. It will come in handy with some more advanced moves later too!
Continue reading “Backflip”Type Aerial, Combo, Lift, Flip (Handstand)
Level Advanced 7
Other Names Scissors
Comes From Open Position, Cuddle, Belt Loop Shadow Position, Inside Turn, Bread Basket,
Leads To Open Position, Open Position R-to-R,
In the Can Opener, the leader carries the follower, swings her leg over his neck, and flips her over to the other side. There are several versions including a hand stand and swing around. This aerial move looks more complicated than it is. All it requires is some trust and practice!
Continue reading “Can Opener”Type Turn
Level Intermediate 6
Other Names
Comes From Tabletop, Double Lasso, Crossed Arm Slide, Low Shadow Position, Cross-Handed Open Position,
Leads To Open Position, Double Lasso, Cross-Handed Open Position, Break Up, Back Lean, Low Shadow Position, Tabletop,
The follower goes through the leader’s arms and behind his back to the other side. A classic two step move that can add some serious style to your dancing. It’s the cousin of the Tabletop and works well in combos.
Continue reading “Tunnel”Type Lift, Dip
Level Advanced 7
Other Names The Bell, Rocking Chair
Comes From Crossed Arm Slide
Leads To R-to-R Open Position
Whether you consider this a dip, lift, or drop, the Gravedigger is a stunning move. The lead gets to lift and swing the follower like a shovel!
Continue reading “Gravedigger”Type Lift
Level Intermediate 6
Other Names
Comes From Open Position (Butterfly), Inside Turn,
Leads To Inside Turn
In this move, the leader slaps his thigh, follower hops onto the leader’s leg, then the leader launches her off. The follower can even choose to be launched into the air!
Continue reading “Knee Throw”
Country Swing AZ 