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How does someone learn a new skill?
One step at a time! These ‘steps’ also known as learning curves, are an essential part of the workout journey to achieve a level of physical exertion and movement success. Within learning curves there exist smaller building blocks. These are called layers. A learning curve will outline the process of achieving the final combination. Layering methodology is used to develop individual moves or make incremental changes to the choreography e.g. travel or directional changes.
How to use Layering
Layering occurs after the base foundation has been established. Within a Hi/Lo class, these foundation moves are simple standard moves that most participants can pick up quickly. These base moves share some commonalities:
A move could be layered using the following options:
10. Arm lines
Below are examples of how some of these options can be implemented. base move – leg curl, using the layering method, the leg curl could:
It is possible for a move to be layered several times to achieve the desired outcome. For example a march could be layered to:
Layering in this method is highly effective due to participants being able to repeat parts of the move several times while learning the next layer. It is a harmonious blend of comfort and challenge, and participants do enjoy being challenged as long as they know that they will be successful. So, when they see that a knee, ball change, knee is simply a 3x knee repeater with a rhythm change, then they are move likely to try it – believing that they will actually be able to accomplish it.
Why use a layered approach?
Layering is a successful method of teaching if the elements of variation are taught one at a time. Layering two or more elements at the same time may lead to confusion and make a move appear unachievable. There is an exception to this rule and that is if you have a group of skilled, regular participants who are familiar with your choreography and teaching style. The reality for most instructors is that our classes are made of participants with a mix of levels, skills and abilities; this is when layering is used most effectively. Layering provides the opportunity for an instructor to offer different options during the workout so that beginners are catered for as well as recommending intensity and complexity options for more skilled participants. It is also a time saving method in that an instructor will only need one set of choreography that can either be layered up or down depending on the requirements of the class. Using the layering approach, layer the moves listed below to create a new move. Consider in which order the layering should occur for maximum participant success.
Choreography Routine One
Repeat routine on Left leg TEACH
10) Layer 2x alternating leg curls = grapevine L shape, 3x alternating leg curls turning 360 degrees to face the front, shuffle, shuffle, knee and 4x alternating knee lifts turning 360 degrees travelling backwards, 1x double knee lift cross behind and 2x alternating leg curls turn backwards
Routine Two
Repeat routine on Left leg
TEACH
10) Layer 4x step touch = chasse with shuffle, 2x (2x knee repeater moving to corner) and double step knee facing the front 11) Add together = samba, zorba, samba, chasse with shuffle and 2x (2x knee repeater moving to corner) and 5x alternating leg curls 12) Teach double step 13) Layer double step = chasse with mambo to the front 14) Layer chasse with mambo to the front = leap with mambo to the front 15) Add = leap with mambo to the front and 4x marches 16) Layer leap with rock to the front and 4x marches = leap to the front with mambo to front and 4x marches backward 17) Layer leap to the front with mambo to front = leap to the front corner with mambo to the corner and 4x marches backward 18) Layer 4x marches back = leap to the front corner with mambo to the corner, chasse backwards and leap with a mambo rock back and 6x marches 19) Add together for final product = samba, zorba, samba, chasse with shuffle and 2x (2x knee repeater moving to corner), leap to the front corner with mambo to the corner, chasse backwards and leap with a mambo rock back
Routine Three
Repeat routine on Left leg
TEACH
10) Add = 2x easy walk travel sideways across room, double step knee to the opposite front corner and 2x alternating step knee turning towards the back 360° travelling across room 16x marches 11) Layer 16x marches = 2x easy walk travel sideways across room, double step knee to the opposite front corner and 2x alternating step knee turning towards the back 360° travelling across room, cross over walk, 12x marches on the spot 12) Layer 12x marches on the spot = 2x easy walk travel sideways across room, double step knee to the opposite front corner and 2x alternating step knee turning towards the back 360° travelling across room, cross over walk, leg curl box to the front and 2x alternate leg curls 13) Layer 2x alternate leg curls = 2x easy walk travel sideways across room, double step knee to the opposite front corner and 2x alternating step knee turning towards the back 360° travelling across room, cross over walk, leg curl box to the front and 2x slides 14) Layer 2x slides = 2x easy walk travel sideways across room, double step knee to the opposite front corner and 2x alternating step knee turning towards the back 360° travelling across room, cross over walk, leg curl box to the front and 1x slide and 1x pony
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