Organic: untreated, unprocessed, pure, raw

Organic step is about going back to the fundamental moves which begin the step choreography process. Learning curves need to build on a solid foundation of raw, unprocessed moves and progress simply and logically into the next move. Without this, we cannot ensure the success of our classes.

Aims and Objectives

• To explain what are the 3 base moves to any step move
• To demonstrate how each combination starts with 3 base moves
• To show how each combination is built and layered to achieve the end result with success
• To demonstrate 3 combinations using the base move and layered concepts
• To demonstrate how interesting and complex combinations can be taught effectively with base moves  

What are Organic Base Moves?

Organic Base Moves are standard step moves that have not been altered or modified with:

• A speed change
• A rhythm change
• A directional change
• A travel change
• An intensity change
• Or combined with other moves

These are the fundamental moves that beginners need to learn before they can progress into more advanced class types or levels.

Basic step:

Any marching type activities such as:

• Mambos
• Across  or over the top
• Stomps
• Walking around step

Alternating leg change:

• Knee lift, leg curl, flick kick, leg extensions
• Repeaters

Alternating lunge or tap:

• From the top: side lunge
• From the top: back lunge
• From the floor: toe or heel tap

Starting with raw moves from the three categories, an instructor can  provide a moderate to high intensity workout. Processing moves further will depend on the success of the learning curves.

The secret behind any great teacher, is the ability to...

Teach

Anything

Simply!

Great instructors are aware of their own and their participant's abilities and limitations. If the progression through the layers are gradual, then participants will feel like they are achieving. The instructor will also have more opportunities to judge their competency level and if they are ready for the next layer. Remember, a class can only be fun with choreography, if everyone is achieving and feeling confident.

What are good learning curves?

Questions to consider:

Tips to remember about learning curves

If the choreography turns to face the back, try to leave this layer until near the end of the learning curve.

This is to avoid teaching anything "new" facing the back of the room. Try to avoid running to and fro to demonstrate moves to the back and front. This will cause confusion.

Holding patterns are an instructor's best friend.

Holding patterns are organic moves which:

• Increase intensity between low intensity moves or learning curves.
• Give participants an opportunity to catch up or have a "brain break" between complex moves.
• Fill out the counts required to complete the block.
• Used to help alternate sides from right to left so that the choreography can be taught on both sides simultaneously. It avoids having to "teach everything again on the other leg" and overuse of certain muscle groups.

Routine methodology.

There are a few ways to breakdown a routine. You need to decide, which is the best method for developing choreography from your organic base moves.

Have plan A, plan B, plan C

If your routines always start from organic base moves, you will always "win".... We have all walked out of THAT CLASS. You know, the one where nothing works. Read your participants and see if they are having difficulty with a particular move. Avoid persisting with that move if the class continues having trouble with it. Simply move onto something else.

Below is the choreography break down of a routine demonstrating how organic moves layer and change into interesting choreography that participants can follow and enjoy.

TEACH