Introduction

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INTRODUCTION
Having taught dancing for many years, working with World Champions and other Championship class couples and having
written the Letter Service (now called The Choreographer), which I took over from Alex Moore, and produced Videos
showing competitive dancing, I thought it time that the teacher and competitive dancer had a book which provided the
technique of the figures used at an advanced level. By studying individual actions and applying teaching technique gained
over the years, I have been able to complete the book.
Some of the techniques may be considered contentious by leading coaches who have their own particular methods of
teaching the figure. However this book will give a logical and positive method to dance the figures and when rhythm and
balance are perfected it will be possible to “hone” the figures to individual requirements.
Please read the first chapters containing the developments and definitions, before reading the technique of the individual
figures, in order that the reasoning behind the technique will be made clear, Of course these chapters can only give a
description of body mechanics, requirements of the physical laws of movement and musicality. It would take an
encyclopaedia to explain in full what has taken so many talented dancers so many years to develop. We must be ever
thankful to the founders of our form of dance who were able to show, and explain, the necessary techniques to create
movement of quality.
The techniques of the Advanced Figures are divided into different sections in the book. Because many figures are common
to all dances, the figures are not grouped by dance but as follows:
1. Figures of strong movement with a “colourful’ change of shape
2. Figures of strong rotation, which include a Pivot
3. Other Turns and Spins
4. Checks and Hovers
5. Swivels and Rondés
6. Figures particular to Slow Foxtrot
7. Figures particular to Tango
8. Figures particular to Quickstep
9. Line Figures
Because of the very different rhythm, character, and action of the Tango, a separate section of the book has been given to
this dance. Again please read the introductory chapters to this section. Also separate sections dealing with the Step Hop
and “Trick” figures in the Quickstep and the essential figures in the Slow Foxtrot.
Over the years many of the famous names in our art form of Dance, have contributed to my knowledge and therefore to this
book. There are those who actually gave me advice through lessons and also those whose words during lectures provided
me with ideas and “teaching tips”. Malcolm Stewart, who trained Diana and me for all of our Ballroom examinations, giving
us the wish to master and use the Revised Technique to the full. World Champions Peter Eggleton and Brenda Winslade,
who as our main competitive teachers, provided such an insight into the mechanics of the body and rhythmic application.
World Champion Walter Laird, who as our main Latin American competitive teacher, gave us a love of body rhythms, which I
believe apply to many Ballroom movements. Lecturers and world authorities; Bill Irvine MBE and Bobbie Irvine MBE –
Doreen Freeman – Anthony Hurley – Stephen Hillier – Marcus Hilton MBE and Karen Hilton MBE, and others whose words I
quote every teaching day.
Finally to my wife Diana, who as my partner helped me to learn so much and has been excellent in her criticism and editing
of my written words.
To become a Champion study the techniques, then practice Posture, Posture and Posture. Use your head and body
weight to move, understand your feet, listen to the music and enjoy the feeling of rhythm and movement that gives such
pleasure.
Happy dancing
Geoffrey Hearn