Elasticity
The stretch and recoil in the connection, creating and releasing tension to generate movement.
Prerequisites
Elasticity is a concept that can be used to describe the stretch and recoil in the connection between partners. It’s a rubber-band effect that creates momentum. It’s similar to break back in other dances. Elasticity can come about in different ways:
- The follow might move away from the lead, but the lead holds on, creating an elastic moment
- The lead can step away from the follow
- Any mix thereof
Generally the lead will hold on to the follow’s through a hand connection. Before the arms lock out completely, both the lead and follow know to maintain that frame. This redirects the energy like a spring to the inside and can be used to create certain movements. For example, it can be used to enter into the LateralLateralA side-stepping movement that creates a lateral travelling pattern across the floor..
Elasticity is a concept weaved throughout the dance and can be used in basic movements to add dynamism to the dance through musicality.