The TRUE value of the BASICS

Hello to all the Dancers in the Pittsburgh Area, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about something that has become a bad word......... THE BASICS ! The term basic just brings out the bad thoughts that we are regressing, when in fact its through our basics that we can truly progress. The basic patterns that we learn are the fundamentals, or components to all of our advanced patterns.  But more important, they are the very best patterns to use when you are working on technique. I am fortunate that I'm an instructor, because I'm always working with new students. So I do my basics hundreds of times a day. It gives me the daily opportunity to hone my technical skills, like rise and fall, shaping, Cuban motion, footwork, etc. When working on these intricate technical items, the more basic the patterns are, the better. The basic BOX step is probably the best tool there is to develop proper technique. The pattern is so ingrained in our muscle memory that it allows us to focus on the more important elements to our dancing. The advanced patterns are usually so intricate that it takes all of our focus to just do the pattern on time, so that leaves no time for the technique to be executed. Take a moment everyday to just dance your basics with the higher level of technique that you've been working on. You will quickly see that those basics, are now advanced patterns. Its always how you execute your patterns that determines your dance level, not where you patterns rank. I hope this helps.