Que Viva La Musica

October 26, 2006

Sally Advanced

1,2,3,5,6,7 CBL and 1/2 clockwise turn for follower (lead for turn does not come until 6 – this was an excuse for follower to do something like a stutter-step stylized footwork)
1,2,3,5,6,7 full clockwise turn for leader with L-R let go at just under shoulder level and connect R-R – step back on 5 bringing follower forward and into 1 1/2 clockwise traveling turn [note: I think in some cases, I was playing with starting the turn on previous 7,8 (prepare on 7 and start the turn on 8) or 8,1 rather than on 1,2 – I guess it would be a different move, but it could make leading the second half of this move less hectic]
1,2,3,5,6,7 Copa fake (offering L a little late to make L-L connection) R-R ends in front of follower’s R shoulder while L-L is just above follower’s L shoulder with there being no space between leader’s R shoulder and follower’s L shoulder for support (it could be a firm squeeze at follower's shoulders – also stay side-by-side) – turn as unit full clockwise (hook step on 5 is a good option but this might be flexible)
1,2,3,5,6,7 Mambo jazz and lead follower forward into 1 1/2 clockwise traveling turn with leader turning 1/2 counterclockwise to bring both connections above leader’s shoulders – end position is leader facing away from follower
1,2,3,5,6,7 bring R-R down and to behind leader’s R waist and reconnect R-R from front of leader’s body during 1,2,3 and lead follower into full clockwise stationary turn (keep body position same throughout until 7 – apparently this rather than having leader twisting around is more comfortable for the follower according to Sally) and leader turns 1/2 counterclockwise to face follower
1,2,3,5,6,7 drop R-R underneath L-L as leader moves into CBL position with L-L hat for leader – lead follower into 1 1/2 counterclockwise traveling turn led with R-R and with free L hand going to follower’s L shoulder early
1,2,3,5,6,7 prepare follower on 1,2 and lead follower into 1 1/2 stationary over and under turn with R-R ending by follower’s L waist across her stomach – lead follower straight back on 5 and release R-R with leader stepping into follower’s previous position with optional 1 1/2 counterclockwise turn

The material was deceptively challenging. Perhaps I was slightly out of practice.

Another lively Thursday night. A lot of talking and dancing - conversations lasting well past the final song and at outside the club - 10 partners or so. Nothing that happened was extraordinary, but there were many little things, which I found nice but will refrain from mentioning publicly.

Many of the songs played by Sally were recognizable. These included: Arrepientete – Ray Barretto*, El Quinto De Beethoven – Cesta All-Stars*, Ahora Quien – Marc Anthony, La Pantera Mambo – La 33*, Mi Fracaso – Lebron Brothers, Que Buena Baila Usted – Oscar D’Leon, Me Voy Pa Cali – Oscar D’Leon, Thinking of You - Lenny Kravitz*. Starred (*) songs are the ones I danced to tonight. I badly wanted to dance to Mi Fracaso also but couldn't find a suitable willing partner.

It was my turn to elbow someone else's mouth. I hate that. Perhaps it was bound to happen considering I often go to great lengths to be experimental and try leading moves differently and almost unconsciously much of the time with her.

Apparently most of the team has not been paired yet. One expectation was that Ivan will be the one to decide, but I imagine that this would not be done by him alone. It is kind of amusing trying to imagine potential pairings. Here's one possible outcome: PR, AH, JS, IY, ST, SM, ZR. Maybe someone else would like to state their prediction for fun?

Both Zern and Cyrille expressed interest in the Nov 21st thingy. Based upon past experience, I had been planning on working on building interest among leads first. Good start - they were easy. Also thanks to Zern for an unrelated favor.