All right. Now we get to the good stuff! Here is how the 3 combos get pulled together.
After breaking down all of the combos, practice them on the right and left leads. Then weave them together as taught. While weaving, be sure to tell the class which moves are the "filler" moves (see choreography notes below). When you think they are ready, start from the top and take out the filler moves, jumping directly to the next combo's first move. This condenses the routine down from 96 counts to 64.
I love this way of teaching Advanced Step because when you take out the filler, and assuming you've double checked approach angles and how many counts each move takes, your final run throughs have a completely different feel because once you hit Combo 2, the moves are now occurring on different beats of the musical phrase from the way the class has practiced them so far in class. It's almost like doing a completely different routine, except that everyone is familiar with all the moves. And, everything feels much faster, even though it really isn't.
So, here's the final choreography:
"1-3-7" (10)
Knee-ball-change over, x2 (6)
Reverse up, Rock back, ball-change-kick (8)
Hamstring, x2 (4) -- filler move
Up & Switch feet on top, exit into tango (9)
Double stomp & spin into a straddle (5)
Drag & Pivot (6)
Stomp Across, box (8)
1 Basic (4) -- filler move
Kick & Rock (5)
Up-up, HOLD, Double switch on top & exit (7)
4-knee repeater, x2 (20) -- filler move
Have fun with it!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Advanced Step, 3/14/2010, Combo 3
And, here is Combo 3 of this step class. I'm sure everyone noticed that I put the same background picture on the videos that form one class.
Now, on this video, more than half of it is two 4-knee repeaters. I know, I know... it doesn't feel very "advanced" when there is that much easy stuff in it. Just trust me. You'll see why in the final video.
Combo 3:
Kick & Rock (5)
Up-up, HOLD, Double switch on top, exit (7)
4-knee repeater, x2 (20)
Enjoy!!
Now, on this video, more than half of it is two 4-knee repeaters. I know, I know... it doesn't feel very "advanced" when there is that much easy stuff in it. Just trust me. You'll see why in the final video.
Combo 3:
Kick & Rock (5)
Up-up, HOLD, Double switch on top, exit (7)
4-knee repeater, x2 (20)
Enjoy!!
Advanced Step, 3/14/2010, Combo 2
Here is Combo 2. Just like in Combo 1, the breakdown is shown in the video.
Combo 2:
Up & Switch on top, exit into Tango (9)
Double Stomp & spin into a Straddle (5)
Drag & Pivot (6)
Stomp Across, Box (8)
Basic (4)
There are several versions of the "stomp across, box" shown in the breakdown. You can use any of them, including keeping the stomp at the end instead of the box.
Have fun with this one!
Combo 2:
Up & Switch on top, exit into Tango (9)
Double Stomp & spin into a Straddle (5)
Drag & Pivot (6)
Stomp Across, Box (8)
Basic (4)
There are several versions of the "stomp across, box" shown in the breakdown. You can use any of them, including keeping the stomp at the end instead of the box.
Have fun with this one!
Advanced Step, 3/14/2010, Combo 1
Okay, so let's get on with some videos! This is combo 1 of 3, Advanced Step. The breakdown is shown in the video, and the final choreography is as follows:
Combo 1:
"1-3-7" (10)
Knee-ball-Change over, x2 (6)
Reverse up, Rock back, Ball-Change Kick (8)
Hamstring curls, x2 (8)
Combo 1:
"1-3-7" (10)
Knee-ball-Change over, x2 (6)
Reverse up, Rock back, Ball-Change Kick (8)
Hamstring curls, x2 (8)
One Step Closer - Pun Intended!
Hi everyone!
I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted on my blog. After this, I have some videos to post, along with the choreography.
But first, I wanted to say that I've taken one more step towards my goal of being able to provide workshops to other Step instructors. In January, I passed my ACE certification test!!! Yea! and Phew! I've been working on developing the content of the workshop, and hope to be able to get started with providing CECs and CEUs for ACE and AFAA very soon.
The first workshop I've put together is to provide a way to make the whole process of planning a class and its breakdown a whole lot faster and easier. This workshop would be for people who already teach Step. I'm also considering a very basic class that is just "how to teach Step", which would be for people who want to learn to teach Step.
If you have any comments, please send me an email, or place a comment on this entry. I'm sorry to say that I had to turn on "comment moderation" again, because some folks started posting some links to ... well, let's just say... non-fitness-type websites. You get my drift... So, fear not, I will post any legitimate comments, but they won't appear until I moderate them.
Dana
I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted on my blog. After this, I have some videos to post, along with the choreography.
But first, I wanted to say that I've taken one more step towards my goal of being able to provide workshops to other Step instructors. In January, I passed my ACE certification test!!! Yea! and Phew! I've been working on developing the content of the workshop, and hope to be able to get started with providing CECs and CEUs for ACE and AFAA very soon.
The first workshop I've put together is to provide a way to make the whole process of planning a class and its breakdown a whole lot faster and easier. This workshop would be for people who already teach Step. I'm also considering a very basic class that is just "how to teach Step", which would be for people who want to learn to teach Step.
If you have any comments, please send me an email, or place a comment on this entry. I'm sorry to say that I had to turn on "comment moderation" again, because some folks started posting some links to ... well, let's just say... non-fitness-type websites. You get my drift... So, fear not, I will post any legitimate comments, but they won't appear until I moderate them.
Dana
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Combo 2 of Intermediate Vertical Step of 1/1/2010
Ready for Combo 2? As in Combo 1, I'm providing you my breakdown notes. If you have questions, please feel free to email me (an email link is on my profile) and I'll get back to you.
Combo 2:
Choreography:
Kick, Stomp & Walk/Spin to the other side (8)
Side Lunge, x2 (8)
"1 & 6" (8)
Abduct Chasse over, Rock back & Pivot (8)
Breakdown:
Repeater Kick (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Kick Repeater 2 (4) + March 4 (4) + 2 Basics (8)
1 Kick + 1 Stomp (4) + March 4 (4) + 2 Basics (8)
1 Kick + 1 Stomp (4) + Walk around to other side (4) + 2 Basics (8)
Kick, Stomp, & Walk around (8) + Split Basic (8)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + Split Basic (8) + 4 Basics (16)
(*Note: I add on the 4 Basics at the end before changing the Split Basic because this enables me to change the Split Basic in the NEXT layer, while the class continues to do what they already know, and they can see how the moves have changed from what they are doing, and then they can do it with me the next time.)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + 2 Side lunges and exit opposite side (8) + 3 Basics (12) + Basic Over (4)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + 2 side lunges (8) + Double stomp/Single Stomp (8) + 1 Basic + Basic Over (4)
(*Note: On the Double Stomp/Single Stomp, as you practice this, count the beats for the class to show them how the Double stomp starts on Count 1 and the Single Stomp occurs on Count 6. These are the critical counts for the "1 & 6" move.)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + 2 side lunges (8) + Single Stomp, March, & Single Stomp (8) + 1 Basic (4) + Basic Over (4)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around + 2 side lunges + Stomp-Spin-Stomp (called "1 & 6") (8) + 1 Basic (4) + Basic Over (4)
Now. The final move in this combo is fairly tricky, so I teach it separately, and then after the class knows the move, I substitute it into the choreography where we previously did the "1 Basic (4) + Basic Over (4).
I teach this move first to the front of the class, so that the class can see me. Once they have mastered the move while facing the front, then I change the breakdown around so that they are doing the move facing the back of the room, which is how they will be doing the move in the final choreography.
2 Basics (4) + Repeater Knee (8)
1 Stomp and then march for 7 + Repeater Knee (8)
Drag & march 7 (8) + Repeater (8)
Abduct Chasse over (3) + March 5 (5) + Repeater (8)
Abduct Chasse over (3) + Rock back & Pivot (5) + Repeater (8)
Now switch it around:
Repeater (8) + Abduct chasse, Rock back & Pivot (8)
Assemble from the top:
Kick, Stomp & walk/spin to other side (8) + side lunges (8) + "1 & 6" + Abduct chasse, Rock back & Pivot (8)
Combo 2:
Choreography:
Kick, Stomp & Walk/Spin to the other side (8)
Side Lunge, x2 (8)
"1 & 6" (8)
Abduct Chasse over, Rock back & Pivot (8)
Breakdown:
Repeater Kick (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Kick Repeater 2 (4) + March 4 (4) + 2 Basics (8)
1 Kick + 1 Stomp (4) + March 4 (4) + 2 Basics (8)
1 Kick + 1 Stomp (4) + Walk around to other side (4) + 2 Basics (8)
Kick, Stomp, & Walk around (8) + Split Basic (8)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + Split Basic (8) + 4 Basics (16)
(*Note: I add on the 4 Basics at the end before changing the Split Basic because this enables me to change the Split Basic in the NEXT layer, while the class continues to do what they already know, and they can see how the moves have changed from what they are doing, and then they can do it with me the next time.)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + 2 Side lunges and exit opposite side (8) + 3 Basics (12) + Basic Over (4)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + 2 side lunges (8) + Double stomp/Single Stomp (8) + 1 Basic + Basic Over (4)
(*Note: On the Double Stomp/Single Stomp, as you practice this, count the beats for the class to show them how the Double stomp starts on Count 1 and the Single Stomp occurs on Count 6. These are the critical counts for the "1 & 6" move.)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around (8) + 2 side lunges (8) + Single Stomp, March, & Single Stomp (8) + 1 Basic (4) + Basic Over (4)
Kick, Stomp & Walk around + 2 side lunges + Stomp-Spin-Stomp (called "1 & 6") (8) + 1 Basic (4) + Basic Over (4)
Now. The final move in this combo is fairly tricky, so I teach it separately, and then after the class knows the move, I substitute it into the choreography where we previously did the "1 Basic (4) + Basic Over (4).
I teach this move first to the front of the class, so that the class can see me. Once they have mastered the move while facing the front, then I change the breakdown around so that they are doing the move facing the back of the room, which is how they will be doing the move in the final choreography.
2 Basics (4) + Repeater Knee (8)
1 Stomp and then march for 7 + Repeater Knee (8)
Drag & march 7 (8) + Repeater (8)
Abduct Chasse over (3) + March 5 (5) + Repeater (8)
Abduct Chasse over (3) + Rock back & Pivot (5) + Repeater (8)
Now switch it around:
Repeater (8) + Abduct chasse, Rock back & Pivot (8)
Assemble from the top:
Kick, Stomp & walk/spin to other side (8) + side lunges (8) + "1 & 6" + Abduct chasse, Rock back & Pivot (8)
Intermediate Vertical Step, 1/1/2010
Finally! It's time for some new videos for the new year! I thought that this time I would provide you my breakdown notes for this routine. I know, I know... it's really hard to decipher someone else's choreography notes.... but I am hoping that if you follow along with the video, it will all make some type of sense. Please keep in mind that I film my videos without notes, and so there may be small variations in the breakdown from what is presented below.
As you read through my notes, the boldfaced elements are what has changed since the last layer. All other elements remain the same, including staying on the same beats and on the same leg as the previous layer.
So, with that said, let's work on the first combo!
Combo 1:
Final Choreography:
3 Hamstrings on top (6)
Walk/Spin to the Opposite Side (4)
Alternating Stomps (6)
1 Knee Walk Back (8)
Cut the Corner, x2 (8)
Rebound & Stomp (8)
Tick-Tock Straddle, Drag (8)
Charleston Kicks (8)
Split Basic
Breakdown:
4-Hamstring Repeater (10) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3-Hamstring Repeater (6) + March 4 (4) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3 Alternating Hamstrings on top (6) + March 4 (4) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3 Hams on top (6) + Walk/Spin to the other side (4) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alternating Stomps + Single Knees x2 (8) + 2 Basics (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alternating Stomps + 1 Knee on the step, 1 Knee on the floor (8) + 2 Basics (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alt Stomps + 1 Knee & Walk back, 1 Knee & Walk up (8) + 2 Basics (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alt Stomps + 1 Knee Walk back/Up (8) + Revolving Door (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alt Stomps + 1 Knee Walk back/up + Cut the Corner x2 (8)
So, there is the first 32 counts. Since my first combo is 64 counts, we start fresh with the next 16 counts:
Repeater Knee (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Repeater 2 + 1 Stomp (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Rebound + 1 Stomp (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Rebound + Stomp (8) + Double Stomp (5) + Single Stomp (3)
Rebound + Stomp (8) + Double Stomp Straddle (5) + Drag (3)
(*Note in the video, I hold this move at the front so that the class can see what I'm doing. This is different than I would do this in a horizontal step class because in horizontal the class could see it. )
Rebound + Stomp + Tick-Tock Straddle (5) + Drag (3)
The above 16 counts changes lead leg, and so does the next 16 counts, so I teach them independently, then I put them together after both halves have been learned. So, here's the last 16 counts of combo 1:
Kick Repeater (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Charleston Kick (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Charleston Kick (8) + Split Basic (8)
Assemble parts already learned: Rebound & Stomp (8) + Tick-Tock Straddle, Drag (8) + Charleston (8) + Split Basic (8)
This doesn't change lead, so I then return to the beginning of the combo and repeat, repeat, repeat the entire 64 counts. This gives everyone a chance to remember the beginning of the combo, and it provides practice time for the final 32 counts that were just learned.
As you read through my notes, the boldfaced elements are what has changed since the last layer. All other elements remain the same, including staying on the same beats and on the same leg as the previous layer.
So, with that said, let's work on the first combo!
Combo 1:
Final Choreography:
3 Hamstrings on top (6)
Walk/Spin to the Opposite Side (4)
Alternating Stomps (6)
1 Knee Walk Back (8)
Cut the Corner, x2 (8)
Rebound & Stomp (8)
Tick-Tock Straddle, Drag (8)
Charleston Kicks (8)
Split Basic
Breakdown:
4-Hamstring Repeater (10) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3-Hamstring Repeater (6) + March 4 (4) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3 Alternating Hamstrings on top (6) + March 4 (4) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3 Hams on top (6) + Walk/Spin to the other side (4) + Alternating Stomps (6)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alternating Stomps + Single Knees x2 (8) + 2 Basics (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alternating Stomps + 1 Knee on the step, 1 Knee on the floor (8) + 2 Basics (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alt Stomps + 1 Knee & Walk back, 1 Knee & Walk up (8) + 2 Basics (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alt Stomps + 1 Knee Walk back/Up (8) + Revolving Door (8)
3 Hams on top + Walk around + Alt Stomps + 1 Knee Walk back/up + Cut the Corner x2 (8)
So, there is the first 32 counts. Since my first combo is 64 counts, we start fresh with the next 16 counts:
Repeater Knee (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Repeater 2 + 1 Stomp (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Rebound + 1 Stomp (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Rebound + Stomp (8) + Double Stomp (5) + Single Stomp (3)
Rebound + Stomp (8) + Double Stomp Straddle (5) + Drag (3)
(*Note in the video, I hold this move at the front so that the class can see what I'm doing. This is different than I would do this in a horizontal step class because in horizontal the class could see it. )
Rebound + Stomp + Tick-Tock Straddle (5) + Drag (3)
The above 16 counts changes lead leg, and so does the next 16 counts, so I teach them independently, then I put them together after both halves have been learned. So, here's the last 16 counts of combo 1:
Kick Repeater (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Charleston Kick (8) + 2 Basics (8)
Charleston Kick (8) + Split Basic (8)
Assemble parts already learned: Rebound & Stomp (8) + Tick-Tock Straddle, Drag (8) + Charleston (8) + Split Basic (8)
This doesn't change lead, so I then return to the beginning of the combo and repeat, repeat, repeat the entire 64 counts. This gives everyone a chance to remember the beginning of the combo, and it provides practice time for the final 32 counts that were just learned.
Friday, December 4, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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
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:
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:
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