Having mastered forward steps RISE AT THE END OF, it is time to try backward.

  • Stand with your feet together, your RIGHT hip next to the barre (table, etc.), legs straight, but not locked, weight on your LEFT foot and your feet parallel to the barre. (Free foot next to the barre.)
  • Touch the barre with your RIGHT hand.
  • Look and see where the top of the barre is relative to your body. This is position relative to the barre you will want after you have taken the step.
  • Bend your knees to your set height, and place the tip of the toe of your RIGHT shoe on the floor behind you with your RIGHT knee pointing straight down towards the floor.
  • Notice where the barre is relative to your body.
  • Take a backward step, transferring 100% of your weight onto your RIGHT foot. The footwork will be TOE HEEL.
  • Make sure the toes of your LEFT foot release as you step away from your LEFT foot.
  • As you transfer weight back onto your RIGHT foot, allow the heel of the LEFT foot to draw across the floor.
  • LEADERS
    • Do NOT collect the LEFT foot under the body.
  • FOLLOWERS
    • Allow the free leg to draw completely under the body and close without weight.
  • Make sure that your RIGHT foot is parallel to the barre.
  • Make sure you are on the flat of your RIGHT foot and well balanced.
  • Once you can easily take a backward step from your LEFT foot to your RIGHT foot and arrive to a straight (but not locked) leg, then turn around so that your LEFT hip is near the barre and repeat stepping from your RIGHT foot to your LEFT foot.

    RISE AT THE END OF is a critical technique. Leader’s must be able to stand themselves and their partners at the end of forward step to create a good heel turn. Followers must be able to take a backward step and arrive with legs straight but soft and feet together in order to be able to dance a good heel turn.

    And of course, heel turns are not the only place where RISE AT END OF occurs. Having control over this technique is a must for any serious dancer.

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