It's not any one particular figure. There are as many types of jumping and hopping figures in Quickstep as there are grounded figures... in fact, quite possibly more.
For starters, you can take almost any grounded figure, speed up the rhythm and release it from the floor to make a springy figure. For example, the two most basic actions in Quickstep, the chasse and the lock step, can both be done either grounded (such as in the syllabus) or springy. Multiple locks or chasses are often taken consecutively to the rhythm of Quick-a-quick-a... (the "Quick" being the side or forward step, and the "a" being the closing or locking step).
"Polka Chasses" are a fine example of this type of action: A double chasse (counted quick-a-quick-a) followed by a step-hop action (counted quick-quick). One usually pivots 1/2 to right on the step-hop action so that both chasses travel down line of dance. People will take all sorts of variations on the rhythm of the chasses, too. A common variation is (adding two extra chasses): Slow-and-Slow-and-Quick-and-Quick-and, followed by the step hop quick-quick.
Step-hop actions are very common (step on a foot, hop on same foot). You can use these in place of just about any slow walk in a syllabus figure. Consecutive step-hop actions in PP are common, and quite easy. For example, take an open impetus (SQQ) and follow with 3 step-hop actions in PP (RLR), and follow with a springy chasse (quick-a-quick). For an easy ending, just take a natural turn from PP and a running finish.
Consecutive runs are also common. Once again, you can take them in place of just about any syllabus figure. To make them runs, you do two things: (1) Dance all quicks, no slows, and (2) "Spring" from foot to foot by releasing your weight from one foot slightly prior to landing on the next.
An easy method for learning the runs is to simply do them in PP. Actually, the three step-hops and chasse in PP mentioned above is a great lead-in for the PP runs. Another figure you can try running is the Quick Open Reverse. Step-hop chasse in CP towards DC and then, beginning RF OP, run RLRLRL in a continuous Quick Open Reverse. With the rotation and the constant switching from in-line to OP positions, this one is more difficult to master, but it makes for a very simple illustration of the idea that the springy figures in Quickstep are nothing more than fancy versions of the basics.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Atkinson
www.ballroomdancers.com
