What figures do you like to use prior to dancing Aida and what fiqures to follow after?

Currently I dance half of New Yorker to the right(2 3 4-1) then follow by dancing Aida for just one measure (2 3 4-1). After that I dance Hand-to-hand for 2 measures and back to New Yorker, then lead a Hip Twist. I am quite bored with this same combinations and feel that there is limitation of Aida as far as usage is concerned.

Can anyone point out some interest combinations?

Thanks much,

Keh

Well, I think I've only been taught the Aida in one combination in the classes I've taken so far, so I always do it that way. I'll try to explain it as best I can. Start with either a Hand to Hand moving towards the leader's right side (leader turning to left, follower turns right to open out) or an Opening Out to R and L also from the one to the leader's right side. Count 2,3,4-1 as normal, but you're going to lead a spiral turn for the lady on the 4-1. So as you close up again, put your left hand up as you would for a Hockey Stick (she's turning that direction) and when she gives you her hand, lead her to spiral turn on the 4-1. Release the hold with your right hand after the lady spirals, probably on count 1. Now you can do the Aida, but there's a little adaptation because of the position you're now in. For the leader it's pretty much the same, walk backwards for 2,3,4-1. For the lady, it's a little different. She'll step forward on 2, forward on 3 then swivel 1/2 turn so she's facing as the man, then go back on 4-1. You lead the lady to make her swivel by bringing your left hand and arm inside, sort of between your bodies. If you get into the spiral position before the Aida, you'll probably be able to figure out what I mean here. Your arm is across her body because she's facing the opposite way you are after the spiral, so you have to take your arm towards your own body and then between the two of you to get her to swivel to face the same way you are. Anyway, after you've finished the Aida you can end it however you like. For Rumba I normally do the rock and spot turn (man turning L) combination, whatever it's exactly called now. For cha cha there's a bit more to the ending I use. I do something like a cucaracha action to my left, LR (2,3), followed by a split Cuban Break like a New York, LRL (4&1). The lady mirrors it with a cucaracha action RL (2,3), and the split Cuban Break as for a New York RLR (4&1). My usual ending from there is to lead the lady into an Alemana turn then whatever. I hope this makes some sense. If you have trouble with it, perhaps someone else can give a better description or you can try asking someone you know how to precede an Aida with a spiral turn for the lady. I hope this helps.

--
James Marshall
marshall@astro.umd.edu
http://www.astro.umd.edu/~marshall

Thanks, James !!

I really need some time to digest some of the steps in your post.

Is rock and spot turn to the left also known as "Natural Top" ? Can you further explain the swivels in your last post? Both man's steps and lady's?

Thank you very much.

Keh Gough