Travel Steps Study Guide 6.8: Step-Hold Variations

Step-Hold Variations

Layering Variations

Using the listing in this study guide or following along with the DVD, run through the layered variations Travel Steps lists for step-hold.  Are there any movements you like that were not included? 

Directional Variations

Just as in a ball-change, the step component of a step-hold may be a step in place, a step out (forward, back, side, across in front, or across in back), or a step in to a close stance.  As you work through this lesson, use directional changes in your steps to create variations.

Timing Variations

Try using step-hold in 4-count phrases.  Pick a variation you like, and try timing the hold on each count of the phrase.  Take note of the different visual emphasis created by each pattern. For a simple exercise, walk forward and layer your hold with a touch under the body.  For a greater challenge, vary the direction of your steps, or vary the layers on your steps or holds. Stepping with a flat foot or lifted heel also varies your movement.

1	2	3	4
Step	Step	Step	Hold
Step	Step	Hold	Step
Step	Hold	Step	Step
Hold	Step	Step	Step

Throw in some ball changes!

1	2	3	4
Ball-	Change	Step	Hold
Change	Step	Hold	Ball-
Step	Hold	Ball-	Change
Hold	Ball-	Change	Step

Step-ball-change!  Step!  Hold!  Ball-Change!  Step-Hold!  I’ve marked out holds to accent with a layer, but keep in mind that empty cells in this table represent unlayered holds.  .

1	&	2	&	3	&	4	&
Step	Ball-	Change		Step		Hold
Step		Hold		Step	Ball-	Change
Step	Hold	Step	Hold	Step		Step
Step	Ball-	Change		Step	Step	Hold
Step		Step		Hold		Ball-	Change

You see where this is going…

→ Next in the Travel Steps Study Guide: Creating Footwork Combinations 

← Previous: Ball-Change and Step-Ball-Change Variations 

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