If you need music....

Hi Everyone!!

My DJ buddy over at 32mix.com has generously offered the following:

Use the discount code "Step Junkie" to receive $5 off each mix you buy (which is 25% off of Elite mixes and 31% off of regular mixes!!), and also get the quantity discounts that apply if you buy more than one mix. Simply put in the discount code when you are checking out.

Also, on top of this offer, he is offering free shipping this weekend (December 4-5-6).

The Step Junkie offer expires on December 24, 2009. Enjoy!!

Dana

Sad News

I wondered how long my good luck would last. And, as I predicted, it didn't last too long. I'm referring to my fleeting permission to videotape myself teaching my classes in the gym setting. I work for a great club, but they've rescinded my permission to tape at the gym, I assume due to legal implications. It's just my nature to comply with rules, so of course I will stop taping at the gym.

Now, add to that blow, the fact that we took down my green screen at home about a month ago in prepration for our basement to get finished. So, at present I have no "good" alternative for taping locations.

Fear not, however, as I have a couple of things up my sleeve that will enable me to continue to do my videos. My husband thinks he can recreate my green screen in a different part of our finished basement. So that's Option #1. Option #2 is a green screen room that my brother has in his warehouse. I think he'd let me use it, but it's a long distance from my house, so it's not too convenient -- especially not as convenient as popping down to the basement!

So, stay tuned... I am determined to be back. And, in the meantime, this gives me a bit of time to go outside and take some beautiful Autumn foliage pictures to use as my backgrounds in my future videos!

Take care, and look back soon!

Dana

More Advanced Step for You!

I've been idle for a while on my blog, so I apologize! The following 4 videos provide you with 3 combos (with their breakdowns) plus the final product. The choreography notes for the final routine are shown below as well.

Enjoy!


Choreography:

Combo 1:
Turn & Stomp the Floor (4)
Spin to the front (4)
Shuffle & Drag into Tango (9)
Chasse Turn (6)
Tap-Tap, Abduct-Chasse-Box (9)

Combo 2:
"Rebound" Repeater (8)
1 Glute, 1 Glute hopturn (8)
1 Lunge, Box (7)
Ball-Change on top, Straddle (5)
Mambo (or Rhythm Mambo) (4)

Combo 3:
Reverse up into 2 hamstrings on top (aka "Reverse Skate") (6)
Mambo Cha-cha (4)
Stomp Across (aka "Spider") (8)
Quick over, Over Slow (6)
L-Step (8)

Videos:
Combo 1:


Combo 2:


Combo 3:


Final Product:

Advanced Step taught a new way

I was telling some friends about an interesting method of teaching advanced step that I learned from Rebecca Small at a recent fitness convention. Previously, I had heard a little bit about this way of teaching, but had always shrugged it off as "not so special." Well, when I experienced this teaching method first hand, I was blown away!!! I couldn't wait to try it out with my advanced steppers. The following videos show the basic progression of the class, and I admit that since this was my first time doing it, the choreography is probably simpler than I was using previously, but I felt it was fine to start with.

Basically, this method enables you to build 3 (or more, if you want) combos that change lead (so far, this is exactly like "regular" step), where each combo has some number of counts of "filler" or "fluff" that gets removed in the final runs. What happens when you remove the fluff is that the moves in the 2nd and 3rd combos fall on different beats than when you taught them with the filler. The entire class had a completely new feel to it, which is exhilarating as you fly through the choreography!

The really cool thing is that this method enables you to teach fewer counts of hard choreography, which lets your class members have more time to pick up all of the trickier moves that you have included. Sometimes my classes have had the "deer in the headlights" look by the end of class -- I call it the "My brain is full" syndrome. They've just had enough of the tricky moves and by the end of class they are stuggling to remember everything. This method is a great way around this problem.

Choreography:

Combo 1: 20 counts of "real" moves, and 12 counts of "filler"
Mambo Swivel (8)
Shuffle (4)
Kick & exit the front side (4)
Abduct Chasse over (4)
Basic, x3 (12)

Combo 2: 16 counts of "real" moves and 16 counts of "filler"
V-Slide, ball-change & exit (6)
Rebound, box (7)
1 Stomp (3)
Knees, x4 (16)

Combo 3: 28 counts of "real" moves and 4 counts of "filler"
Heel hold, switch-switch, rock & stomp (8)
Drag into Tango (8)
Stomp & Hold, Ball change over (8)
Pivot (4)
Basic (4)

Method of building the combos:
1. Ensure each combo (without the filler) changes lead leg.
2. Ensure the "real" moves of all of the combos together add up to 64 or 96 counts (without the filler).
3. Combos can be any number of moves (without the filler) as long as they adhere to rules 1 & 2 above.
4. Filler moves for each combo should be the same move (e.g., 3 Basics as in Combo 1, or 4 Knees as in Combo 2). Don't try to combine 2 moves (such as a repeater and 2 basics) as your "filler" because the class will just get confused when it's time to take the filler out.

Method of teaching:
1. Teach each combo in its 32-count version.
2. Weave the combos in their 32-count version.
3. Weave the combos without the filler moves.

I have really come to enjoy this method of teaching. I hope you can find a way to try it out in your advanced classes!

Dana

Combo 1:


Combo 2:


Combo 3:



Final Product:

Final Product: Intermediate Step, 8/19/2009

Here is the video of the final product of my last Intermediate Step class. It combines Combo 1 (64 counts), Combo 2 (32 counts), and Combo 3 (32 counts). The video contains lots of options, and if you check the lady in the white top, she is an advanced stepper (and good friend!) and she demonstrates many, many options that can make this routine even more advanced.

I hope you enjoy this!




Choreography:

Combo 1:
Hangover Hamstrings (4)
Abduct, Cross on Top, 1 Stomp (8)
Double Lunge (8)
5-Knee Repeater (12)
Turn into an Elvis, x2 (8)
Tick-Tock Straddle (5)
Tango, or Reverse Stomp (5)
Stomps halfway around the world (6)
Mambo Cha-cha, x2 (8)

Combo 2:
Split Basic (8)
1 Knee & Walk Back/Forward (8)
"Indecision" (8) aka 1 straddle & 1 over
Scissor & Pivot (8)

Combo 3:
1 Mambo (4)
1 Kick (4)
Rock on Top, Box, Cha-cha (8)
Stomp Across (8)
L-Step (8)

Time for Some Intermediate Step

I taped the routine in the videos below on August 19. I still have two more videos to produce for that class, which is Combo 3, and then the entire routine for the class. But, for how, here are Combos 1 (in 2 parts, since it was too long for 1 video), and Combo 2. P.S. I added Combo 3 to this post, as well.

The choreography notes for the class will be posted with the entire routine.

I hope you enjoy!

Dana

First Half of Combo 1:



Second Half of Combo 1:



Combo 2:



Combo 3:

Staying Organized

I thought I would share with you all how I keep myself organized with my routines and breakdowns.   Now, I admit that I am really a computer geek!  I love doing things on my computer, and so I use my computer to keep all of my routines and breakdowns.  I started this back in about 1999, but have improved how I keep my files and will share this with you.

First, I have my own folder on our hard drive that is for all of my fitness class routines.  No one else is allowed to use my folder for fear of death or dismemberment!!!   When I create a new routine, I name it with the name of the class followed by the date that I first teach it.  For example, for my Intermediate Sunday morning Step class that I'm taught today for the first time , I would name the file:   

Int Step Sunday 2009_09_13.doc

This way, all of my Intermediate Step classes from Sundays will be grouped together in my file list, and they will show in the order that I taught them.   I always use Microsoft Word, but you can use any program that you are comfortable with.

Now, within that Microsoft Word file, my routines typically consist of 2 pages.  On the first page, I have the final choreography for my class.  I use this page as a "cheat sheet" that usually sits on the stereo while I teach.  It contains the cues that I will use and the number of counts for each move.  I also include on this page some notes for where I will start with my breakdown for the various moves.

On the second page, I type out my breakdown.  I admit that it's a bit of a pain to type out the breakdown, but it has saved me so much time in the end that I really recommend this method.  There have been times that I've taught 4 different levels of Step each week, I have really relied on my typed-out breakdowns to remind myself of the breakdown for my upcoming class.  Here is the way I type out my breakdowns.  Let's say that I want to break this down: 

2 Side Lunges, exit front (8)

Knee Lift Over (4)

Pivot (4)

This is how my breakdown looks on Page 2:

2 Basics (8) + 1 Knee (4) + 1 Basic (4)

Split Basic (8) + 1 Knee (4) + 1 Basic (4)

2 Side Lunges, exit front (8) + Knee Lift over (4) + 1 Basic (4)

2 Side Lunges, exit front (8) + Knee Lift Over (4) + 1 Mambo (4)

2 Side Lunges, exit front (8) + Knee Lift Over (4) + 1 Pivot (4)

I underline the part of the layer that is changing from the previous layer.  This gives me a way to remember the progression.   So, I do this for each move, and I notate when it's time to assemble the moves that were previously taught with the moves that were just taught, or when it's time to add onto the end in order to introduce new moves.  The most important part of this is to be very consistent in what you call your moves.  No one else needs to be able to decipher your notes, but it is important that YOU can decipher them weeks or months after you're done with the combo -- especially if you like to repeat parts of your combos and don't want to recreate the breakdown every time!   So, be as detailed as you need to be, even if that means putting in the individual foot falls.

One other handy aspect of my breakdown page is that it tells me how much time my class will take.  I use a small font on the second page, but if my breakdown falls onto 2 pages, then I know that the class may take too long to break down in a 1-hour class.  Similarly, if my breakdown page is only about two-thirds full, then I know that I need either more material, or more complexity (and therefore more layers) or else we will have too much time at the end of class.

So, there's a peek into my geeky compulsion to stay organized on my computer!   Feel free to email me if you have questions, and I'll try to clarify.

Have fun, and stay organized!!

Dana

Partner Step with Leslie

In July I went to see my friend Leslie (aka "Lethal Leslie") at her house in Canada. We went to her gym and one day we taped this Partner Step routine. It was loads of fun, and really great exercise, as it took us about an hour to practice the moves.... and this was after taking a great class with my new friend BJ McDonald.

We didn't create this routine for a class, so we didn't work out the breakdown.

Next up.... Intermediate Step routine!

Dana

Advanced Step, Final Routine

Here is the final run-throughs of my most recent Advanced Step class. It combines all of the combos from my recent posts, so you can see how the class went together at the end. Enjoy!

Choreography:

Combo 1:
Double Stomp & Spin to a Straddle (5)
Ball-Change on Top, Drag home (7)
Mambo (or Rhythm Mambo) (4)
Heel-Heel-Hold, Mambo w/ a Ball-Change (6)
1 Stomp (3)
Glute Fly over, Ball-Change into a Cut the Corner (7)

Combo 2:
"Shuffle & Rock" (8)
Spin to the End (2)
Abduct, Chasse up, Chasse down into a box (8)
Alternating Stomps (6) -- lots of options on this one!
L-Step (8)

Combo 3:
Tap Wide (4)
Reverse Knee (4)
Box Cha-cha (4)
Pivot (4)
Kick Straddle (4)
Reverse Turn Straddle (4)
Squat Repeater (8)

Combo 3 from Advanced Step

And, here's Combo 3. It took me a while to get a handle on the "Reverse Knee" move, but it's actually not as difficult as I thought once I understood it. I hope this video with the breakdown shows you that it's not all that hard either! This video was barely edited at all (or maybe not at all -- I forget!). Have fun!!!!

Dana

Combo 2 from Advanced Step

Here is Combo 2 from the recent Advanced Step class, with my breakdown. I liked this combo a lot, due to the "spin to the end" move. There are lots of options for the alternating stomps, too, so your class can choose what they want to do and mix it up through the class. Combo 3 coming up, too!

Have fun!
Dana

Advanced Step for Ya!

Well, it's been quite a while since I posted anything. I just finished a horrendous 2 weeks at work, and then attended the DCAC fitness convention, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Look for my advanced classes to be changing in the near future based on one of the workshops I took. Very interesting stuff!

But, in the meantime, here is Combo 1 of an Advanced Step routine that I taught back in June. I'm currently teaching another Advanced routine, which I will most likely tape this coming Monday. I taught Combos 1 and 3 of this routine (Combo 1 is shown below, the rest are to follow shortly) when I visited my good friend Leslie (Lethal Leslie to all you YouTubers and Turnsteppers) up in Canada back in early July. Hey, I'm an International Instructor! LOL.

Anyhow, please note that I had to edit nearly all of the repetition out of this video in order to get it down below 10 minutes in length (YouTube requirement), so please know that I DID, in fact, practice each layer several times with my group before moving to the next change. The actual breakdown of this combo took closer to 14-15 minutes.

Enjoy!
Dana

Notes for New Step Instructors

I recently had an email from a new instructor, and as I answered her questions I realized that other instructors might have the same questions, and might be able to benefit from the answers I gave her. So, this is what I told her:

1. Music: It is a good idea to buy a mix from a company that offers music with very distinguishable 32-count phrasing. I like 32mix (see my links at the right of my blog) for the energy and the great sound quality, and the DJ puts in what I call "swishes" at the end of each 32-ct phrase. I think the best way to start hearing the beginning of the phrase is to work with someone who is very musically inclined. If you can show them that you can hear it, that will just confirm for you that you are right. Some people do have a lot of trouble hearing it, but if you use music that is simple with regard to the 32-count phrase, that makes it a lot easier. In some songs, the mixing is very hard to hear, even for me. However, I have a strong music background, so this is only an issue when a song is mixed "wrong" for use in a group fitness environment. I can usually tell where in the phrase the song is within about 5 beats. I guess it just comes naturally to me. However, when I find that I'm off the beat -- and this happens fairly regularly -- I put the class into a march or traveling hamstring curls until I find the beat and get them back on track. Everyone has to do this occasionally -- even the most experienced instructor -- so don't worry about it too much.

Regarding speed, I recommend 124 to 126 bpms for beginner classes. Bump it up to 128 only when you feel that everyone in the class can keep up, and higher still very gradually, maybe taking up to 6 months. I don't go any faster than 132, ever. But, that's my preference.

2. To make teaching Step much easier, I strongly recommend that you build your breakdowns in counts of 8 or 16 beats. In other words, you will always be giving the class something that changes lead within 8 or 16 counts of music. This way you know that you repeat it either 4 or 2 times to make a full 32-count phrase. In my harder classes, I sometimes have to break down in counts of 32. While this makes it easy to stay with the phrase, it makes for very LONG breakdowns, and my preference is to use 8's or 16's.

So, what do I mean by breaking down in 8 or 16 counts? Well, let's talk about Basics. One Basic is 4 counts. Depending on your combination, you could do 2 Basics (8 counts) and then a Repeater knee (8 counts), which makes 16 counts AND changes the lead leg, so the class is constantly learning both leads. I strongly recommend this type of method of teaching rather than doing everything on the right lead, and then reteaching it on the left lead.... (or worse yet, just jumping to the final combination on the left leg -- please don't do this!).

All of your breakdowns will always depend on the combination you are teaching, but your breakdowns will always start with the simplest form of a move, and these should be moves that everyone learns as part of their very first Step class: Basics, Knee lifts, Repeaters, and Marches. Then, the breakdown happens as you modify these moves into something more complex. Since you're just starting out, we'll keep it simple and not do too much modifying.

3. Let's talk combos! If you have some trouble creating self-reversing combinations, the easiest way to do this is to make sure your combo reverses anywhere within the first 16 counts of the 32-count combination. This makes the breakdown process so much simpler! Moves that change your lead include:

Single Knee lifts (also single kicks, hamstrings, abduct moves, glute raises, etc.)
Repeaters
L-Steps

The single lifts change your lead after 4 beats (because they are 4-count moves), and the Repeaters and L-Steps change your lead after 8 beats (because they are 8-count moves). In one 32-count combination, you just have to ensure that you have an ODD number of these lead-changing moves. If you do, then the entire 32-count combo will change leads. This sounds easy (and it is!!!) but I ALWAYS check by doing the combo, either in real life or in my head. That's just a confirmation for me.

For a 1-hour Step class, you will probably need 5 32-count combinations. My strong recommendation is that you try to make each combination as different as you can from all of the others in that class. This will make it so much easier for you to remember when you get to the end of class and are running through the entire routine. I have made the mistake of making my combinations too similar to each other, and in the final run-through I have gotten confused about which combo I was in... and it's so embarrassing!!!!

Here's are some simple combinations for you. The numbers after the moves indicate how many counts are in the move. The * indicates if it is a lead-changing move.

L-Step (8)*
2 Basics (8)
4 Traveling Hamstring Curls (16)

Split Basic (8)
Rocking Horse (8)*
2 V-Steps (8)
2 Traveling Abducts (8)

1 Glute (4)*
1 Mambo (4)2
Traveling Jump Shots (8)
Charleston kick Repeater (8)*
Repeater Knee (8)*

These combos could be used in one class because there are no repeated moves. To add more combos, just use different types of repeaters, and modify any other moves to they are not the same as anything already used. For example, Jump Shots are variations on Traveling Knee lifts. You could also do 1 Knee on the Step, and the other one on the floor for 2 knees (I call this 1 Knee & Walk back).

My Easy Intermediate videos will also provide you with some different variations on base moves.

For beginner instructors and classes, you'll be learning new moves together, so I don't recommend doing any moves for quite a while that make the class face the back of the room because they won't be able to see you. Also, straddle moves tend to present beginner classes with quite a bit of trouble, so when you begin them, it will be before you have done any moves facing the back of the room, and you will do a bunch of repetitions of any straddle move in your combination. For example, I'd recommend doing at least 4 Basic Straddles or Knee Straddles, if not 8 repetitions at first. This will let the class figure these moves out in their own minds before you are off onto the next move.

Another recommendation I have is to NOT change the class too often. Use the exact same combination for at least a month, if it is a weekly class. If you are teaching more than once a week to this same group, you could probably get by with using the combos for 2-3 weeks. This gives YOU and the class plenty of time to understand what to do (and how to teach it).

Run through everything in your mind before you ever get into the classroom. Personally, I type out my breakdown on the 2nd page of my choreography in my computer. I type out each layer, and underline what changes from the previous layer. The nice thing is with beginner Step, is you won't have too many layers (probably only 1 or 2).

A Note About Notes: Notes are okay to use, but you should NOT RELY on them to get through the class. You should have most everything memorized, and just use the notes if you get a brain freeze. Try not to hold your notes because you will constantly be looking "down" -- so I recommend putting them on the floor away from your step or on the stereo, if it is next to where your step is. Use a big marker or print it in big typeface so you can see the notes from far away. I can't recommend enough that you need to do the practice and memorization at home before you get to your class!!! You will appear much more organized if you rely less on notes and more on your memory. Personally, I find that the 2nd, 3rd and subsequent teachings of the same routine typically go much smoother because I'm more comfortable with everything. When you realize that you are getting comfortable, know what's next, and how to present it to the class (break it down), then you can start to add in some comments regarding safety, keeping heart rates up but not too high, etc., etc.

I recommend you also check through my blog for my choreography notes from my "Easy Intermediate" routines. Not everything will be usable for your classes, but I think a lot of it will. Just modify for your own people, since you know what they can handle.

If possible, find a mentor at your club who can attend your classes and give you some feedback. As you and your classes get comfortable with each other, the best thing you can do is keep them moving and ensure they get a really, really good workout. Because it is an exercise class, and if they know they got a great workout, they will keep coming back.

And, don't forget to let your personality shine through!!! Have fun!!!

Dana

Combo 2 from Intermediate Step routine from June 10, 2009

Here's Combo 2. I tried to edit the video so it wouldn't be too choppy and all of the layers would be in there. Hope you can use this, or get some cool ideas from it! Have fun!

Dana

Combo 1 from Intermediate Step, June 10, 2009

Here is the first of the breakdown videos for the Intermediate Step routine from June 10, 2009. I think it's pretty much self-explanatory, but pipe up if you have any questions!!!

Dana

SJ's Intermediate Step Class, June 10, 2009

Here is the final product of an Intermediate Step class that I recently finished teaching. The class is 128 counts, consisting of 1 64-count combination, and 2 32-count combinations. The breakdown videos are also ready, and I'll have them posted soon. It's my plan to tape my Advanced Step class tonight. Woo Hoo!

Dana



Choreography

L-Stomp (8)
Squat, Tick-Tock, Box (8)
Reverse X (8)
Jump Shots, x2 (8)
2 Side Lunges, then 2 lunges facing the back of the room, lunges off the front side, exit front (12)
Knee Lift Over to Home side (4)
Kick & Walk Back/Forward (8)
L-Step (8)

Drag & Jack, x2 (10)
Repeater 2 (6)
Chasse Turn over, into a Tango (8)
Basic Over (4)
Mambo Cha-cha (4)

Tap Wide, x2 (8)
Mambo off the end (4)
Shuffle up, Shuffle down (4)
Across the long way (4)
Shuffle Turn (4)
Revolving Door (8)

Intermediate Step, Combo 3 from May 20, 2009

And, last but not least is Combo 3. Here's the video with my in-class breakdown. I have already taped my next Intermediate class, so will start working on those videos very soon. Have fun!

Dana

Combo 2 from Intermediate Step of May 20th

Here's the video for Combo 2 of my Intermediate Step routine taped on May 20. The full routine in its entirety is the video with the 2 pyramids in the background. Let me know if you have any questions!!

Dana

Intermediate Step Class - Combo 1

Howdy, Howdy!

I taped this class a few weeks ago, and am finally getting it produced. The video below is Combo 1, which is 64 counts. YouTube requires my videos to be 10 minutes long or less, and this was a definite challenge to edit down to 10 minutes. So, if it feels a little bit choppy or rushed, it's because I really had to chop a bunch of repetition out of it. The actual breakdown for this combo took closer to 20 minutes.



Here's the Choreography for Combo 1:

Rock on Top & Straddle (5)
1 Stomp on the Front side (3)
2 Squats & go over the step into a Grapevine back/forward (10)
Alternating Stops (6)
Curb Walk (8)
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
Shuffle & Drag (4)
L-Step (8)
4 Side Lunges & exit Home side (12)

Advanced Step -- IN CLASS, with Breakdown!

Okay, my friends.... finally I got permission to tape my class while I teach. Many of my class members signed an agreement to allow me to tape them, and I was so pleased with their support! They are just the most wonderful people, and marvelous steppers, too! The videos below contain Combo1, 2, and 3. Then, the last video, with the background of the green pond, is the final routine assembled together and with written choreography at the bottom. Enjoy!

Final Choreography:

Combo 1:
Stomp & Switch into a Drag over (5)
Tango (5)
Stomps 1/2 around the world (6)
"1-3-6" (8)
Repeater Knee (8)

Combo 2:
1 Hamstring and slide off the end (5)
Step up & Tick-Tock (3)
Box (4)
Rock on Top, straddle (5)
Chasse Turn (3)
2 Quick Overs (4)
Cut the Corner (4)
Scissor over (4) *Optional Drag & 2 Heels

Combo 3:
Up-up, Lunge Single (flip), Lunge Double, exit home (10)
Drag & Pivot (6)
Up & Twist, Switch feet & exit home side (7)
Kick & Rock (5)
1 Knee (4)

Combo 1 Video:


Combo 2 Video:


Combo 3 Video:


Final Assembled Routine:

Anyone for Advanced Step? May 20, 2009

Since I'm here posting to my blog, I might as well post this Advanced routine as well. I had a lot of fun with the Rebound Repeater at the beginning. Once my class got it, they ran with it!! I don't have the breakdown taped for this one, but if you have questions, I'll try to answer them in writing.

I love hearing from you, so don't be shy!

Dana


Choreography:

Rebound Repeater (8)
Shuffle down the step, 3-point turn to the front (5)
Straddle, or Drag & Switch twice (4)
Drag (3)
Reverse Turn (4) (or any other option for a Basic)
L-Step (8)

Chasse Spin over (4)
Abduct, Cross on top, Exit & Ball change into a kick (8)
Up & Twist, Switch & Exit into Tango on the Home side (12)
Revolving Door (8)

Stomp & Switch, Cross on top, Exit (8)
1 Knee & Walk Back/Forward (8)
Double Kick Ball Change (5)
Spin to the front (4)
Quick Over (2)
Tick-Tock (5)

Intermediate Step Routine, May 20, 2009

Well, it's been a very long time since I posted a new video. I've been busy with work, and have been having some pain in my hips, so I've been a little nervous about taping... but, I got myself together and taped 4 routines in one day! This is an Intermediate-level Step class. There are a few options on the second run-through. I MAY (I HOPE) be able to provide the entire breakdown of this routine in a "live" class environment! I was granted permission to tape my classes, as long as I get written permission from the people who are visible. I taped my Advanced class on Monday this week, so I hope to get those videos online very soon.



Here's the choreography for this Intermediate routine:

Rock on Top, Straddle & 1 Stomp (8)
2 Squats, go over to the home side and grapevine away, and towards the step (10)
Alternating Stomps (6)
Curb Walk (8)
Chasse over & Rock back, x2 (8)
Shuffle & Drag over (4)
L-Step (8)
Up & Lunge for 4, exit home side (12)

Kick-Stomp-Box Repeater (8)
Hangover hamstrings (4)
Cross on top & exit home side (4)
1 Knee & walk/shuffle/spin to the front side (8)
Glute Fly Over, Pivot (8)

V-Slide into Tango (9)
1 Stomp (12)
Mambo or Pivot (4)
Repeater Knee (8)
"1 & 6" (8)

Intermediate Step, April 7, 2009

Hi everyone,

This is an intermediate routine that I did quite a while ago. I have actually just finished another newer intermediate routine and have to create a brand new one for my next Intermediate class, which, with Sunday being Easter (therefore no classes), is next Wednesday. Should be plenty of time, yes? Except my kids are on Spring Break right now, and I'm off work trying to do things with them to keep them busy! :-)


Choreography:

Quick Over (2)
Abduct, Tick-Tock (6)
Stomp & Pivot (4)
Repeater Twist (8)
Shuffle Straddle, x2 (8)
Basic Over (4)
Reverse Elvis + Box on the floor (8)
Kicks, x2 (8)
One Lunge (6)
10-ct Mambo (10)*

"1&6" (8)
L-Step (8)
Hangover Hamstrings (4)
Across (4)
2 Knees on Top (4)
Straddle & Rock Back at the home side (4)

Straddle (4)
Stomp, Box Cha-cha (6)
Drag, x2 (6)
Knees halfway Around the World (8)
2 Side Lunges & exit at home (8)

*This move is based on 2 double stomps. Several options are shown in the video, including
1) a plain old double stomp
2) Reverse & do One Stomp
3) Jump up with feet together & Twist heels - I got this one from my friend "Lethal" Leslie.

Have fun!
Dana

Intermediate Step

I'm late in posting this video, but I hope you'll enjoy it. I came up with this routine sort-of by chance. I was driving to work in February, and it was a long drive (45 minutes each way), and -- as always -- I had some Step music playing from my favorite mixer, 32mix. As I listened to the music, Step moves just started popping into my head. I was fiddling around with some variations on repeaters, and I thought, "Hey, I could do a class that was nothing but repeaters!" Of course, you can't have a whole class that is nothing but repeaters because then you have no lead changes. Once I figured that out, I decided to create a class that was "mostly" repeaters. This routine is mostly repeaters that have been modified, with Basics or Alternating Lifts to round out the 32-ct phrase and ensure the combos change lead.

I hope you enjoy it!



Choreography:

Hangover hamstrings (4), Chasse forward & pivot (4) *
Mambo off the end (4)
Abduct, Cross on top, exit & Stomp (8)*
Knee Straddle (4)
Knee Walk Back (8)
Kick, x2 (8)
1 Lunge & 1 Stomp (8)*
Stomp Across (aka Spider) (8)
Over & Toes Repeater (8)*

10-ct Revolving Door (10)
Elvis (6)
Diagonal Crossover Cha-cha (8)*
Stomp & Twist (8)*

Full-Circle Turnstep (8)
L-Step (8)*
Tap-tap, Quickover, Box (8)*
2 Squats & 1 Knee Repeater (8)*

*These moves are based on Repeaters.

Advanced Step 3/16/2009

Here is an advanced Step class for you. My class had a lot of fun with this one. I haven't taped the breakdown, and things are pretty busy with me at work at present, so I may not be able to tape the breakdown. However, if you have questions about how I broke anything down, just ask!

Dana



Choreography:

"Wide 6" (Stomp, Ball-change, Stomp & Pivot) (6)
2 Abducts on top & Straddle (6)
Reverse Flye Over, Drag-Ball-Change-Drag (8)
1 Kick (4)
Cut the Corner (4)
Scissor over (4) *Video shows option: Drag & 2 heels

Spider (8)
Shuffle & Rock (8)
Abduct-Chasse into Tango (8)
Rhythm Straddle (5)
Chasse Turn (3)

Up & Switch feet 3 times, exit front & Pivot on the floor (10)
1 Lunge & Box to Home (7)
Reverse Turn (4)
Reverse Stomp (5)
Repeater 2 (6) *Video shows Chasse Box

Have Fun!!!!

Breakdown of Combo 3!!

Here's the video showing the breakdown I used for Combo 3 of my latest Advanced class. I'm actually way behind in taping my classes now, after that big project at work. Maybe I can do some on Friday or this weekend. I hope you enjoy this breakdown and can try it out in your classes. Don't forget... if the Advanced choreography is too much for your classes, you can still use the breakdown and simply STOP at any other layer that you like... even I find that sometimes the "pro's" go one or two layers too many for me, so I just leave those layers out and use what I like... I hope you do the same. The most important thing is to give your classes what they can handle, and feel successful, and yet also give them a challenge (and of course, a workout!). Have fun -- that's what Step is all about!

Breakdown Videos - Combos 1 & 2

I taped this breakdown video a LONG time ago -- before that big project at work started. So I am finally getting around to producing the videos and posting them. Two of them are here, and I'll get the last one produced (I think) sometime this week.

Remember -- the breakdowns have the same background picture as the original video... just makes it easier to know what goes with what!!

~Dana

Combo 1:


Combo 2:

Long Time No Blog! Advanced Step for ya!

Hi everyone!!!

I've finally finished a huge project at work that had me working every day, night, and weekend for the past 3 weeks. Whew! I taped this routine (plus the breakdown of my previous Advanced routine) over a month ago, and am just now getting the time (and inclincation) to produce them and get them posted. I now have at least 2 more intermediate routines and at least 1 new advanced routine to tape, too. Must get busy! On another note, I no longer teach an Easy Intermediate class, but instead teach a Beginner Step class. I'm not sure there's a need for me to post Beginner step routines. Let me know if you feel differently.

Enjoy!
Dana

Choreography:

Rhythm V-Slide & Spin to the front (5)
Shuffle & Rock (8)
Drag (3)
Reverse "1-3-6" (8)
Stomp Across (8)

Chasse Spin Over (4)
Reverse & Stomp the floor (3)
Delay over into Tango (9)
Revolving Door (8)
Curb Walk (8)

Kick & Rock (5)
Reverse Flye Over, Drag-Ball Change-Stomp (8)
Up & Twist (6)
Up, Switch & hold, Switch & exit (7)
Quick Over, Box home (6)

Best of 2008 Intermediate Step Class

At the end of 2008, I was really ready for a new routine, but also was hoping to give my classes a new class starting in the new year. I didn't have a lot of time, so I thought I'd try a "best of" class where I picked out some of my favorite moves and combinations from all of my 2008 classes. This is the routine I came up with. Actually, the first combo started out as something old, but then I figured out a way to make it new, and I liked it, so I kept it. My classes have really enjoyed this routine, so I ended up keeping it and will be trading it out this week for something new. I hope your classes like this, or parts of it, too.

Dana



Choreography:

Mambo off the end (4)
Stall across (4)
Step down & shuffle up, shuffle down into a Box on the floor (8)
L-Step (8)
Tap Wide, x2 (8)
Over & Toes Repeater (8)
Split Basic (8)
Repeater Knee into an Elvis (8)
Cut the corner (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)

1 Knee, 1 Squat off the end (4)
Tick-Tock, Cross on top, exit & Stomp (8)
Knee Lift Over, x2 (8)* see notes below
Hamstring exit (4)*
Drag, Box, Cha-cha (8)

Revolving Door (8)
L-Stomp with a pivot (8)
Shuffle & Tango (8)
Knees, x2 (8)

*Note: in the video, I did the syncopated version of this, which uses only 6 counts. To make up the extra 2 counts, I did a 2-hamstring repeater to exit. Both ways work -- it just depends on if your class likes syncopation.

Advanced Step

As promised, here is a new Advanced Step routine. The notes are below the video.
Hope you can use something! Enjoy!

Dana


Choreography:

Up, Up, Switch Feet x2 (4)
Step down & pivot (3)
Shuffle down the step, twist on top (5)
Spin or walk to home side (4)
Up & Lunge for 2, exit front (8)
Drag into a Tango (8)

Reverse Flye Over, Drag-Ball Change-Stomp (8)
Tick-Tock & Shuffle to the front (8)
"Rhythm Over" and stomp or pivot (8)
Revolving Door (8)

Repeater Knee (8) *see notes below
"1 and 6" (8)
Mambo off the end (4)
Shuffle up, Shuffle down (4)
Across & stomp (4)
Box (4)

*I got this repeater from a video on YouTube. I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't remember whose video it was. :-(

Breakdown of Combo 3 from Intermediate Step 12/23/08

Finally, here is the breakdown for Combo 3. I think it's self-explanatory. Drop me a note if you have questions!! Advanced Step coming soon......

Breakdown of Combo 2 from Intermediate Step 12/23/08

And, here is the breakdown I used for Combo 2. This one's a lot shorter because the combo is only 32 counts instead of 64 as in Combo 1. Have fun!!!!

Dana

Breakdown of Combo 1 from Intermediate Step 12/23/08

Happy New Year!

Well, my classes at the gym are changing slightly with the new year. I've been teaching an Intermediate class on Sundays and Wednesdays, and an Advanced class on Mondays. My "Easy Intermediate" routines were the ones I was teaching on Wednesdays, which I did because our gym didn't have any "beginner" level Step classes and I wanted those people to have a place to go.

Starting this week, I will be teaching a Beginner Step class. So, my "Easy Intermediate" routines will now be "Beginner" but I will attempt to provide some options on some of the moves to give it a bit of "intermediate" flair.

And, with that administrative junk out of the way, here's the first of the breakdown videos from my most recent Intermediate step class. This is the first time that I've taped the entire breakdown for the whole class for an intermediate routine. I hope you can use something from this!

Dana