How to Do a Basic New Yorker in International Latin Ballroom Dancing
The New Yorker is one of the most common patterns in the International Latin Cha Cha. It is a signature of the dance, and is usually seen in every routine--either social or competitive in nature. The purpose of the New Yorker is to present the couple to the audience. The New Yorker is what is called an "evergreen" in dance, in that it is a step that stays in style regardless of the time period in question.
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Instructions
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Man's Part
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1
Start with weight over right foot and left foot pointed to your side on the outside edge of the foot. This position is the ending of a side chasse, i.e. the "1" beat of the "4 and 1" or "Cha Cha Cha" part of the rhythm.
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2
On the "and" before beat "2", use your right hip and neighboring muscles in a contraction to rotate your hip and body towards the right a quarter of a turn (90 degrees). Pass your feet as you turn and step forward on your left foot with a straight leg on beat "2". Assume full weight over the straight leg by beat "2". In this position you should be upright and your hand should be outwards in a diagonal (45 degrees) behind you.
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3
On beat "3", shift weight back to your right leg maintaining your left leg in a straight, pointed fashion.
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4
On the "and" following beat "3", pass your left foot under your body and rotate back a quarter of a turn to face your partner.
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5
On beat "4" step to your left. You are now beginning another side chasse and may repeat the pattern to your left side.
Lady's Part
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6
Begin with weight over your left foot and right foot pointed to your side on the inside edge of the foot.
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7
On beat "and", pass your right foot under your body passed your left foot and rotate a quarter turn (90 degrees) to your left.
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8
On beat "2", step forward onto your right foot with full weight. Stand upright and stretch your left arm outwards in a diagonal back and away from your body.
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9
On beat "3", recover to your left foot. On the "and" beat immediately following, pass your right foot under your body and passed your left foot and rotate a quarter of a turn to face your partner again.
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10
On beat "4" step to the right and assume full weight over your right foot. You are now ready to perform a side chasse to your right and repeat the pattern on the right side.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Look up some pictures or videos to see what a New Yorker looks like in real time
Always practice slowly before doing this full speed
Resources
- Photo Credit http://givemevelocity.blogspot.com/2007/06/scoop-on-dancing.html
