The mechanics of the swivel and flick in Latin dance
In short: In Latin dance, the swivel and flick serves as a decorative flourish for when a partner invites a lady to show off. This move transitions from basic steps into stylized motions, involving specific footwork, a knee turn, and a body roll that moves from the hips up through the head.
The swivel and flick is a decorative move designed for moments when a male partner invites a female dancer to "show off." It serves as a transition from basic steps into more expressive, stylized movements. The sequence typically begins with a series of crosses—moving the right foot across and then the left—before transitioning into the core swivel and flick motion.
The technical execution involves swiveling a foot around the front and turning the knee outward to the side. From this position, the dancer "sweeps" the foot back, a motion often visualized as flicking an object like a tissue off a shoe. This is followed by bringing the feet together, dropping the knees, and initiating a body roll that starts with the hips moving forward before rolling up through the head. Complexity can be adjusted based on the dancer's skill level. The "easy" version focuses on the fundamental sequence of crossing, swiveling, and sweeping. For a more advanced execution, the dancer can "whip" the foot higher and strike the feet with more intensity. This increased power allows for a more dramatic drop into the subsequent body roll, creating a larger visual impact.
Coordination between partners is essential for these flourishes. The male partner must be attentive to the female dancer's cues; she typically signals the end of the move by stepping back on the "1" count. If the move is particularly elaborate, the partner may need to wait until she returns to the "1" count before transitioning back into the basic dance step. The goal is to maintain the flow of the music while executing these high-energy transitions.
The move is often practiced to a specific rhythmic count, such as 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, to ensure the body roll and footwork align with the music. By mastering the transition from the "back break" to the "swivel-swivel kick," dancers can add variety and flair to their performance without losing the underlying structure of the dance.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Swivel & Flick Dance Moves for Ladies | Latin Dance
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