"Dancing Tid-bits" Issue #90, Thursday, Feb 21 2002


Dancing Tid-bits
Minimal vs Part Weight, part II

After studying and experimenting extensively including jumping on weighing machines, I have reached the following conclusions:

1. The Minimum weight seems to be definitely less than 1/2 weight and personally I feel less than 15% qualifies for minimum.

2. Part Weight can vary anywhere from 1/2 weight to just less than full, depends on the dance and circumstances.

3. Even if you step with full weight but if the duration is momentary such as less than 1/2 beat ( "a" of Jive and Samba Basic), it should be considered part weight.

Let us consider some practical examples:

1. Rumba Basic first step (Man) is a checked forward walk, Part Weight. I feel almost 95% of my weight on this step. Another technique may consider this step as a normal step with full weight. What is your opinion? Second step Cucaracha (second position break) is part weight of course, no disagreements there.

2. Samba Basic: The "a" beat to me feels part weight but the new technique describes it as minimum weight. What do you think?

3. Volta in Samba: The "a" beat feels part weight according to technique (more than minimum); agree.

4. Bota Fogos: the "a" beat or the second step is minimum weight and I totally agree; the step is wide and outside body.

5. Jive: The "a" beat, nothing written in technique but I feel it is part weight (full weight momentarily).

Of course all this is quite interperative. I enjoyed writing this tidbit for whatever it means. I would love to hear disagreements. Best Wishes Max

Questions and comments to Dancemax@aol.com, thank you.


This article is part of and should be seen in the frame context of Dancesport UK, Tid-bits