On2 Session #5

March 20, 2007

There was a talk of starting tonight’s session as early as 6. In the end, it was more like 6:45, which was still earliest starting time yet. We ended at 10 PM, so it was another 3+ hour session.

The first hour was again spent doing basics and basic turns. We focused on 3 o’clock, 9 o’clock, and hook turns as well as right and left axle. Also done was to practice turning or spinning using shoulders only versus using hips only.

The second hour was all body isolations – probably in a manner similar to it is done in Frankie Martinez’s classes except with some explanations. It was quite tiring.

The third hour was spent on leading techniques. Refinements were made on spot turns, spot turn start ending with Apache/tornado (making up names here), CBL into half crucifix and getting out of it, CBL into open position, Copa, R-R open break into toss and L-L into crucifix (and getting out of it), turning (1/4 or 1/2) as unit before initiating CBL (in one case after leading a 1 1/2 CBL inside turn – free turn in this case.

There are too many details involved and writing it out would be something of a nightmare. Some of the salient details I want to remember in particular include the following.

For spot turn, use L-R between 7 and 1 (going outwards) to get follower to be positioned correctly. Also be sure to position self correctly (it seemed that shoulder positioning needed most adjustments).

For Apache, do not overtake.

For CBL into half crucifix, the downward lead on 1 is very small. Remember to absorb on 6 and don’t lower the connetion too low.

Absorbing and guiding with L hand after 1 was one of the newer details. Fingers up when starting.

Straight forward lead (less force!) on 2 for CBL.

A slight shake/nudge with shoulder on 3 to for CBL into open to singnal/allow follower to stylize.

For axles, turn fully before putting the other foot down (make sure to be balanced on the foot on which the turn was made rather than depending on the second foot to stay upright).

Turn on 7 to move as unit 1/4 (or 1/2) before CBL finish.

I have no idea if much of these notes are going to make sense to me. As for people who were not part of the workout (or even those who took part in it), I imagine all this will be gobbledygook.

Freaky weather today. Very cold, snow, etc. A curry outing to Golden Curry at Mill Road was made after the end of the session.