Swing Dancing Class Recap: Leg Flick, Slingshot and Smooth Stop - Advanced

In this month's challenge class we explored the idea of what happens when you build up momentum and then stop it. We can then use that stored energy to create fun new moves!

We started with a classic redirections with the "Slingshot" move which uses a linear redirection of momentum. Once you have mastered the basic shape you can play with extending it to create fun new variations.

Then we moved onto one of my favourites - the Leg Flick! In this move the leader builds up a LOT of circular momentum then stops their feet, but allows the follow to continue rotating around them. This creates a wonderful swooshy leg flick which is a great way to add some drama to your dancing. Key tips for the leaders are to plant their weight evenly and allow the rotation to continue through just their torso, and always give your follow enough time to complete the leg flick or you'll put them off their balance.

Then we ended with a smooth stop, a variation on the quick stop (which uses a sharper or more abrupt lead) but in this version we kept is smoother and gentler to create a lovely bow which is a fun way to end a song.