Phase 4 Slow Two Step

Traveling Cross Chasses

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As in the traveling chasses: fwd L (W bk R) trn LF, -, sd, XIF; fwd trn RF, -, sd, XIF;

The man is using right-side lead during the first measure and left-side lead during the second. As you move out and then in again, lean into your partner with a compression that will establish a partner awareness. This connection will help keep the woman from moving away from the man and the man from over-running the woman.

Back Traveling Cross Chasse

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In butterfly position, step back L turning a little RF (woman fwd R turning RF), -, side & back R, XLIF of R (woman XRIF);

Back Traveling Cross Chasse

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In wrapped position facing line of dance with same footwork, step forward, fwd, fwd. That is, both step forward left, right, left; or right, left, right;

Left Turn with Inside Roll

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In loose closed position, lead foot, step forward turning LF (W back R), raise lead hands, and bring them between couple to lead the woman into a LF turn (an inside roll; notice the lead hands move "inside" the couple). The second step is side, turning as W turns under joined lead hands. The last step is a cross in front while the woman steps side R continuing her turn to face partner. The hard way to do this figure is to begin facing wall and to turn 1/2. More often, the preceding figure will be modified, as in "basic ending to a pickup," so that the left turn is begun early, and the figure then needs only to turn 1/4.

An important feature of this and many other slow two step figures is the third step, which crosses in front for the man. Something often makes us want to cross behind. Maybe we're thinking about a vine, but doing so breaks our connection with the woman and makes it harder to progress along with her. Make that third step forward and thru—you'll stay together better.

Switches

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In half open position, facing line of dance, begin turning RF and step forward and side left, crossing in front of the woman and moving to the outside of the circle, step side and forward turning to left half open position, and then fwd L (W fwd R). The woman takes small steps: fwd, -, fwd, fwd; In the second measure, the woman "switches" across. She steps forward and side L, crossing in front of the man and turning RF, fwd and sd R turning to half open position again, and finally fwd L.

For the one switching across, the amount of turn on the first two steps can vary. For instance, you might still be facing your partner at the end of step 1 so that step 2 is side and back, rather than side and forward. That is, you might not complete your turn to face LOD on the first step. However, it is important to get to the outside of the circle on the first step. You needn't complete all the turn on the first step, but do get all the way across.