In this video, you’ll learn the lindy hop step called “Apple Jacks.” Like in last week’s video, I’m teaching you another solo jazz dance move. You don’t need a partner to learn how to move like a lindy hopper.
You’ll learn by layering up, starting with a simple movement, and progressively getting faster and more complex.
Here’s the video:
Here are the main steps:
0:08- Demonstration of Apple Jacks
0:40- #1 Balancing on one foot
0:49- #2 Pivoting. Stand on one foot, put your weight on your heel, keep your forefoot touching the ground, and pivot back and forth. The other foot should be off the ground, next to your ankle. Practice going back and forth on each foot independently.
1:29- #3 Distinguish between an ‘outward’ pivot and an ‘inward’ pivot! We’re only using the outward pivot for Apple Jacks.
2:06- #4 Switching feet. Pivot outward on one foot, switch, pivot outward on the other foot. Do it slow and precise – this is where things start getting confusing!
2:49- #5 “Sweep-ball-change.” Aka kick-ball-change. It’s the lead-in to Apple Jacks, and it happens on 8&1.
3:48- #6 Putting it together. 8-and-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Sweep-ball-change, step, step, step, step, step, step. Right-right-left, right, left, right, left, right, left. PLANT your left foot on 7 before you sweep your right leg up on 8.
Tips:
- Keep your feet approximately parallel. Don’t go too pigeon toed or point your toes apart.
- See how the knee of my leg that I’m NOT standing on is a little in front? It not only looks nice, it’s an easy and obvious position to put your leg in when you’re pivoting on the other foot.
- Use your core! Keep your head and shoulders pointed mostly forward, and let the spine and pelvis twist a little back and forth with your feet.
- Balance, balance, balance.
That’s all for today. Remember to take it slow and develop impeccable movement before you try to make it super fast. You’ll be glad you did when people are admiring your Apple Jacks.
Thanks for watching!
P.S. Go get that free stuff I mentioned.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
This was brilliant!
Please please do Suzie Q’s next. They drive me crazy!
Thanks! I’ll see what I can do. ;-)
I’m sorry, around 1:08, I just started watching the cats.
No, but seriously — good video!
You should see the Shorty George video. I’m amazed I was so serious throughout the whole thing.
Thanks. ;-)
Awesome sauce! I like your Apple Jacks. If only you had made this video three years ago… would have saved me a lot of frustration! Keep up the good work :D
These are really terrific, Rebecca, please keep doing this! I much prefer these over the posts about the social aspects of dancing (although those were OK too).
Thanks again!
Great, thanks for your feedback!!