Groucho (dance move)
|
|
Grouchos are traditional Lindy hop moves that cannot quite be categorized as either basic, side pass, swing out, or aerial dance moves.
In grouchos, the couple moves back and forth between two points, starting and ending in closed position. This move is often repeated several times.
This move is named for Groucho Marx. Frankie Manning met Groucho Marx while working at the Cotton Club and later performed in the Marx Brother's movie A Day at the Races. The name groucho is not universal, and different people call the move by different names.
| Contents |
Forward Groucho
The couple begins in closed position. On counts 1 and 2, they rock step like normal. On counts 3 and 4, the lead moves the follow in front of him to face him, as they triple step. On counts 5 and 6, the lead walks forward and the follow walks backwards. On counts 7 and 8, the lead closes to the follow, and the follow remains in place, as they triple step. The couple ends in closed position facing where they started, a few steps away.
Spins: The lead and follow can both spin. (Expand)
To Open (Lead Spin Out): On counts 5 and 6 (walk walk), the lead stands still or spins in place, so they move into open.
Reverse Groucho
On counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 they rock step and triple step, just like a swing out from closed. On counts 5 and 6, the lead walk walks backwards and the follow walk walks forwards. On counts 7 and 8, the lead triple steps in place and pulls the follow into closed, who triple steps as she moves.
Escorted Spin (Outer Turn): Reverse groucho with follow outer (usually free, sometimes overhead) spin on counts 5 and 6. They close on count 7 and 8.
Inner Turn: On counts 5, 6, 7, and 8, the follow moves like an inner turn swing out, but the lead closes to the follow on counts 7 and 8.
Apache Turn: On counts 5, 6, 7, and 8, the follow moves like an apache turn swing out, but the lead closes to the follow on counts 7 and 8.
To Open (Lead Open): On counts 5 and 6, the lead walks backward and leaves the follow in place, opening up space. On counts 7 and 8, they may style as they like. This resembles a swingout variation.
Style
Stylings are independent of one's partner.
- Counts 5 and 6
- Head: Add pecking to match the step step.
Variations
Variations require cooperation with one's partner.
Extend: Extend the middle with push-pulls. This is related to the Yo Yo.
Lead Spin: On the Escorted Spin and Inner Turn, the lead may also spin.
See Also
Dance move Lindy Basic (dance move)
Dance - Swing - Lindy hop - East coast swing - West coast swing