What is choreography? To us, it is the composition of step patterns to produce a routine that is greater than the sum of its parts. However, we have found that technique books are focused on the steps themselves, rather than putting them together as an artistic whole. To make the creation of choreography as simple and intuitive as possible, we have created a modular system to classify them.
Principle: Every step pattern is represented by a domino.
The left hand box shows the first step of the figure.
Change Step Natural to Reverse
The right hand box shows the first step of the following figure.
Application: String several step patterns together end to end.
Change Step Natural to Reverse
Open Telemark
Weave from PP
Example No. 1: We have 3 figures we like. Now we can fill in the gaps.
Natural Spin Turn
- ? -
Double Reverse Spin
- ? -
Back Whisk
4-6 Reverse Turn
Insert one or more dominoes that connect each of the figures.
Drag Hesitation
Back Lock
Example No. 2: Replace a figure without changing the rest of the routine.
Let's assume that we want to find a figure to replace the Open Impetus.
1-3 Natural Turn
Open Impetus
Weave from PP
We can look for a direct replacement on the Waltz Choreography page. Fortunately for us, there are several alternatives to the Open Impetus.
Outside Change to PP
Back Whisk
Fallaway Whisk
Replace the figure and try it out! If it doesn't work, try another.
1-3 Natural Turn
Fallaway Whisk
Weave from PP
In theory, any step pattern can be replaced by another step pattern if their respective dominoes are the same. In practice, this will not always be the case because certain figures can only be danced in specific alignments. If something doesn't work out, ask your instructor or consult one of the Ballroom Technique Books.
Each color represents a foot that moves, or one that is about to move. However, for reasons of alignment, rotation and custom, certain step patterns may or may not be strung together. Checking the "Precedes" and "Follows" section of the ISTD or IDTA Technique Books, asking an instructor, or watching an annotated video are all methods that can help determine the validity of an amalgamation.
Each color represents a foot that moves, or one that is about to move. However, for reasons of alignment, rotation and custom, certain step patterns may or may not be strung together. Checking the "Precedes" and "Follows" section of the ISTD or IDTA Technique Books, asking an instructor, or watching an annotated video are all methods that can help determine the validity of an amalgamation.
Explanation: What do the colors mean?
The domino system was designed to facilitate choreography without having to reach for a syllabus. However, for the curious minds that want to know what each color represents, here is the list:
Man: Right foot forward.
Lady: Left foot backward.
Lady: Left foot backward.
Man: Right foot backward.
Lady: Left foot forward.
Lady: Left foot forward.
Man: Promenade Position.
Lady: Promenade Position.
Lady: Promenade Position.
Man: Left foot forward.
Lady: Right foot backward.
Lady: Right foot backward.
Man: Left foot backward.
Lady: Right foot forward.
Lady: Right foot forward.
