On2 session #3

March 13, 2007

The session was supposed to start at 6:30, but did not get underway until 6:45. We started with the timing again with emphasis on Conga drums (esp. with ‘Pah’ on 2 and on 6 and on ‘du-doom’ or ‘goo-goong’ on 4 and 4.5 and on 8 and 8.5) and on the Clave (assuming 2-3 Clave, on 2, 3, 5, 6.5 and 8). In addition to Mike Bello timing CD, the Larry Harlow track Descarga (from Live at the Quad) was used to show layers of instruments and how they sound in confines of a Salsa song and how they all act within the rhythmic structure. Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Basic footwork (mambo basic, backward charge, forward charge, side-to-side, 3 o’clock, 12 o’clock, 9 o’clock turns and hook turn (6 o’clock) were reviewed again. For me the biggest adjustment involved pivoting properly on R foot between 8 and 1 during the hook turn. Right and left axles were done – with a major improvement for me coming from squeezing the thighs right after initiating the turns (as the foot in front (after preparation) is brought together). The other major introduction to the turning exercise was follower’s preparation for right turn (more of a spin than a 3 o’clock turn) – with a more useful variation involving stepping in place on 6 as opposed to stepping back on 6 in order not to create unwieldy gap between the partners. Also discussed was traveling during 3 and 9 o’clock turns. Approximately an hour.

Some cha-cha step from last week was reviewed again. This was done in part to get quicker feet. It gave me an opportunity for additional practice although I probably would need a lot more practice on my own to switch back and forth between several variations given. A couple of additional stylization was discussed (with additional possibilities mentioned in passing). Approximately 30 minutes.

Final hour or a little over an hour was spent on partner work starting with cross body lead and right turns again. Leading of 3 o’clock turn was distinguished from leading 12 o’clock turn and then from a right turn done by a spin. Leading technique for different turns as well as preparations (especially for spins but could be changed later to turns instead) was discussed. Finger tension issue came back – it’s something I need a lot more work on. Near the end, we arrived at CBL with inside turn (it’s similar to broken left turn for follower or so Sergio thought) with lead for the turn coming after 3 (although the hand is raised by 3). Also done was CBL with full right turn into half crucifix (R-R is pointed downwards on 1 to mark the spot) and finishing with a stationary 1 1/2 turn. In between the two was the spot turn (name?) (Adios-like). Key here includes facing partner (in body position too) by 1 with R hand/arm firmly positioned across follower’s back before hook on 2 (all the lead to get follower to turn along with leader comes from R hand/arm). Approximately an hour or maybe slightly longer.

We finished shortly after 10 after a short bit on body movement. I was flabbergasted to see someone else get many of the parts done right after just one try. Whoa. I have seen some of this over 6 months ago and I still don't have it.

A dinner at Golden Curry (Mill Road) followed – lasting until about midnight. Next session might happen as early as on Thursday.