Int'l Foxtrot: 3 step vs. Feather step

[Dancerette]

I think my DP has fallen into the trap of over analyzing; and once there, it's hard to escape without help.

He's wondering how he maintains the "rise" of the feather step for longer than the "rise" of the three step. He feels he's "up" for the same amount of time in both steps (i.e. for the QQ)

I've tried explaining it, but it's just not striking a chord with him; coming from a follower's perspective, the words don't really resonate, I guess.

Any tips?

[ahowlett1]

Sounds like you're foot work is wrong. They are very different. A feather step is rise e/o 1, up 2, up 3, lower e/o
A three step is: down on 1, rise e/o 2, up 3, lower e/o 3.

There should not be a problem maintaining rise. its just a forward step on a toe. A lady does these for example in a weave, T, T, T, T... etc..

Potentially, the length of the 3 step of the feather step is too long, ie: reaching for a step.

I never teach anyone to 'reach'. Never reach back or forward, just move on to a step.

[elisedance]

I never teach anyone to 'reach'. Never reach back or forward, just move on to a step.

great advice...

[Dancerette]

Thank you, ah I will pass this information on to my dance partner when we practice tonight.

Greatly appreciated, and it makes sense to me.

[catsmeow]

why when I watch top pros do I see a reaching or a stretching of the body . in particular I see it in luca but maybe its an illusion. surely there is a bending and stretching of the body and legs when they absorb the forward motion of the three step. I have never been taught to stretch my legs but if I dont try to magnify something I might as well be walking a dog in the park.  I stand waiting for enlightenment

[QPO]

why when I watch top pros do I see a reaching or a stretching of the body . in particular I see it in luca but maybe its an illusion. surely there is a bending and stretching of the body and legs when they absorb the forward motion of the three step. I have never been taught to stretch my legs but if I dont try to magnify something I might as well be walking a dog in the park.  I stand waiting for enlightenment

I beleive you are right, I am often told that it is an illusion how to create that illusion is an art we are all striving for.

[ahowlett1]

When you watch them dancing, do you see a static picture or a video in motion. Are you seeing them reaching or simply having their body weight between their feet?

[catsmeow]

I have watched several videos of foxtrot by many pro couples.I am starting to see the space between the movement. The more the man apparently reaches or extends his leg or foot there seems to be a quietness or even weighlessness. I also see a bowing of the mans spine that enhances the apparent reaching . Does all this make sense?

[catsmeow]

Do I see a reaching?  Unfortunately or not I think I see a longer step that looks like it is reaching but it is balanced because the mans spine is still centered between his feet

[Dancerette]

Oh, oh.

More to think about during foxtrot

[elisedance]

Yes but fortunately, its just they guy