LEVEL 2 BOLERO
Prerequisite: Level 1 Bolero
BL 201 General
This is an example of a beginner Bolero.
[ Viewing is easy because the dancers are slow and deliberate and having trouble; and
even must recover when the man stumbles. The extensions are very modified, the steps are small.
We will NOT be dancing this selection].
La Playa
BL 202 Basic Step
Round dancers are not obliged to perform the extreme stylizing and extensions as
performed by Ballroom dancers. Round dancers may use modified movements such as in
the La Playa example above in Section BL 201.
Ballroom Instructional with Tony Davolani of Dancing with the Stars
- Basic Step
BL 203 Definitions
Level 2 Figure List
HIP LIFT CRAB WALKS FENCE LINE HAND-TO-HAND LUNGE BREAK SPOT TURN
ABBREVIATIONS: SQQ = Slow Quick Quick.
PUNCTUATION: Music measures end with a ; Beats are separated with a ,
The hyphen is a beat of music that combines with the previous beat to create a SLOW movement.
BASIC Timing: SQQ; SQQ
Man: SD, -, SLP BK, FWD; SD, -, SLP FWD, BK;
Woman: SD, -, SLP FWD, BK; SD, -, SLP BK, FWD;
FENCE LINE SQQ;
Both: SD, -, CROSS LUNGE, BK;
HIP LIFT SQQ;
Both: SD, -, LIFT, LOWER
LUNGE BREAK See Section BL 222 below.
NEW YORKER SQQ;
Both: SD, -, SLP FWD, BK NOTE: During the SLP FWD, start turning to a side-by-side position.
During the BK, start turning to facing partner position.
The Bolero Sampler ------------
Watch for HIP LIFT at the start. Also: FORWARD BREAK; LUNGE BREAK.
Bolero Sampler
BL 205 Technique
RISE and FALL
The rise and fall constitute one crucial feature of bolero. Begin each measure in a lowered position with soft knees. Rise to a height at the end of the long first step (the slow), lower a little for a small second step (the first quick), and then lower more for a medium third step (the second quick). You are now low and ready for the next side step. The rise and fall is in the body, not in the feet and ankles. Again, step well to the side on the slow in a lowered position. Don't rise as you step, but step and then rise to two straight legs. The two quicks are not just a rock and recover, but take a small step, really just placing the foot in preparation for a substantial third step. It might feel like "step, rise, push, crash."
FOOTWORK
The steps are not taken with a heel lead but are taken ball-flat. Slide the inside edge of the ball of the foot across the floor, take weight, then lower the heel.
BALLROOM BRONZE LEVEL TECHNIQUE
BL 220 Lessons
Review of Blue Velvet from Level 1 Bolero, and introduction of Level 2 figures.
BL 221 Smooth as Satin (i.e., Blue Velvet modified)
- New Cues
- SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER, UNDERARM TURN, NEW YORKER, BOLERO WALKS
BL 222 Years Have Passed (modified)
- New Cues
- HIP LIFT, FENCE LINE, CRAB WALKS, HAND-TO-HAND, LUNGE BREAK*
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
*Focus on the LUNGE BREAK
After the prefix angled side step, Man extends leg to back then recovers while Woman extends forward.
Definition:
LUNGE BREAK Timing: SQQ;
Man: Right SD & FWD, -, Left EXTEND BK, RISE on Right to recover;
Woman: Left SD & BK , -, Right BK, Left EXTEND FWD;
Quick Clip: Video starts with a LEFT SIDE PASS, but then the LUNGE BREAK appears.
Quick Clip: The lady's EXTEND movement at the end of a LUNGE BREAK
BL 230 Workshops
BL231 Smooth as Satin (i.e., Blue Velvet modified) Link to Page BL231
BL232 Years Have Passed [Como Han Pasado Los Anos]
This workshop is UNDER CONSTRUCTION since no dance video is available.
For examination of the steps, see BL 222 above.
For the cued recording, play the jukebox in Section BL 252 below.
Rocio Durcal sings Como Han Pasado Los Anos
Temporary video--
This is more advanced than the Level 2 version of Years Have Passed, and the couples are
performing free-style without cues; but they are showing some familiar steps in the
Round Dance fashion rather than Ballroom.
[There may be an advertisement bar. Click on the (x) to close it.]
BL 250 Audio Recordings
JUKEBOX Click on Play Arrow to start.
BL 251. Smooth as Satin (i.e., Blue Velvet modified)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BL 252. Years Have Passed
#
BL 270 Exhibition
Exiting Level 2 and anticipating the higher Round Dance Bolero phases,
this video clip is an example of a polished performance with styling. A few of
the simple steps might already look familiar.
I Can Love You Like That