Zydeco (dance)
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Zydeco is a form of folk dance that corresponds to the fast-tempo and heavily syncopated Zydeco music, originated in the beginning of the 20th century among the Francophone Creole peoples of Acadiana (south-west Louisiana). It is a partner dance that can be seen danced both socially and in performances.
The follower usually mirrors the steps of the leader however in some figures the steps may be completely different, allowing for self-expression and improvisation. Because of the very lively music, the overall style is small sidewise steps with relatively steady upper body and no hip swinging, wiggling or jumping.
Basic step
The Basic Step in Zydeco takes 8 beats and consists of two mirrored parts 4 beats each. The step pattern is often memorized as "SPSS SPSS", "S" is for "step", "P" is for pause. In the most basic form, there is no steps at all, only weight shifting from one foot to another. The leader starts with weight on his right ("R") foot, the left ("L") one is without weight about one foot sideways. (The right foot of both partners points between the feet of the opposite partner, knees are slightly bent ("softened").) On count "1" the leader transfers his weight on the left foot, followed by pause, then the weight is transferred on the right foot and back on the left one. The same repeats in the opposite direction: right-pause-left-right. Sometimes this step pattern is memorized as "LLRL RRLR", indicating the standing foot for each beat of the music.
After mastering the basic rhythm, one may replace simple weight transfers by very small steps to shuffle just a little sideways or the couple may rotate in either direction.
Finally, the lively Zydeco music with its accented 2nd (and 4th) beats will force you to do something rather than simply "pause" on counts 2 and 6. Usual "fill-ins" are kicks, toe or heel taps, flicks, brush, etc. with the free (unweighted) foot or a little twist on the weighted foot. These actions are commonly known as "eat-a-beat".
External link
| Louisiana roots music and dance |
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| Cajun Jig (One Step) | Cajun Jitterbug (Two Step) | Cajun music | Creole music | Dixieland | Jazz | Jazz funeral | Louisiana blues | New Orleans blues | Second line | Swamp blues | Swamp pop | Zydeco | Zydeco (dance) |
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