Hello

I am taking a Fine Arts class in college and have been assigned to demonstrate the Latin Hustle to the class. I think I get the general idea, but my instructions are difficult to understand. Could anyone help me? Also, what is a ball-change? It is a term used in my instructions, and I don't know what it is. Thanks.

Jamie

Jamie-
Why on earth would they want the latin hustle demonstrated? I hope that they're covering the other major dances, because this one is strictly an "extra" IMO. However, if you are serious about needing help with the instructions/finding music etc. e-mail me and I will fill in the blanks to the best of my ability. It's a bit much to get into on the message board, but ball change and the other terminology is pretty easy to explain...get back to me if you still need the help...Mallee (lovely_isabella@excite.com)

If you seen dancers in Jive (all levels), you might have heard of the term 'Kick ball-change'. But let's leave the kick out and transfer it to
the 'ball-change' in Latin hustle.

The ball-change is, I believe, the mainstay of all
Latin hustle foot movemen ts. It often ends most
patterns in this type of hustle, and is sometimes
similar to the open breaks used in American style
rhythm and nightclub dancing.

Take the Basic Step for example, with the man and
lady in a double-handed, open hold. The counts
appear on the right. Do you notice where the
'ball-changes' occurs on this pattern?

Man

1. Forward LF (1)
2. Back rock with RF (2)
3. Place LF behind RF, slightly big step (&)
4. Forward rock with LF (3)

Lady

1. Forward RF (1)
2. Back rock with LF (2)
3. Place RF behind LF, slightly big step (&)
4. Forward rock with RF (3)

There are two ball-changes: one on steps 1 and 2
and the other 3-4. A ball-change means that you
step on the ball of one foot and transfer the
weight (the 'change') to the other foot.

I hope this helps.

Charles Smith
'The Little Lily Of Ballroom Dancing"
(cjsmith2@uiuc.edu)ÿ