Rag Top Down
Choreographer: Michele Burton
Demo Video
Step Sheet
Characteristics of the Lindy Hop: There is actually no “hop” in the Lindy Hop. It is danced with a downward pulse.
The look is down low, with bent knees, open arms, and a bend at the waist – not your typical dance posture .
The Lindy Hop style originated in the Harlem jazz clubs in the 1920’s and is the basis of all swing dances today.
NOTE: The line dance can be done without the bouncy feel, making it less aerobic and adaptable to more dance levels.
[1 – 8] LINDY HOP CHARLESTON
1 – 2Kick R forward/downward; Step R forward
3 – 5Kick L forward/downward; Hitch L toward center of body; Kick L back
6 – 8Step L back; Rock R back; Return weight to L
[9-16] LINDY HOP CHARLESTON
1 – 2Kick R forward/downward; Step R forward
3 – 5Kick L forward/downward; Hitch L toward center of body; Kick L back
6 – 8Step L back; Rock R back; Return weight to L
[17-24] 2 CROSS OVERS
1 – 4Kick R to left front/downward diagonal; Step R across L; Rock L to left; Recover weight to R
5 – 8Kick L to right front/downward diagonal; Step L across R; Rock R to right; Recover weight to L
[25-32] SUZIE Q’S ~ JAZZ BOX ¼ TURN
1 – 4Grind R heel in front of L foot; Step L to left; Grind R heel in front of L foot; Step L to left (these travel left)
5 – 8Step R over L; Step back on L; Turn ¼ R, step R to right; Step L forward
[33-40] ½ BREAKS (this set begins the Rag Top Down Chorus)
1 – 4Leap step R to forward R diagonal, bending R knee, leaving L leg extended out behind you; Return weight to L foot; Rock R back; Return weight to L foot
5 – 8Leap step R to forward R diagonal, bending R knee, leaving L leg extended out behind you; Return weight to L foot; Rock R back; Return weight to L foot
Think of these as 2 fancied up rocking chairs. Arm styling: Arms out like baseball umpire “safe” on cts. 1 and 5
[41-48] FOUR KNEE ROLLS MOVING FORWARD
1 – 4Roll R hip & knee CW, stepping forward on R (2 cts); Roll L hip & knee CCW, stepping forward on L (2 cts)
5 – 8Roll R hip & knee CW, stepping forward on R (2 cts); Roll L hip & knee CCW, stepping forward on L (2 cts
[49-56] CROSS SCOOT STEP STEP (glorified traveling back jazz box) X2
1 – 4Cross R over L; Scoot back on R (left knee bent with L foot back); Step L back; Step R to back right diagonal
5 – 8Cross L over R; Scoot back on L (right knee bent with R foot back); Step R back; Step L to left
[57-64] KICK CROSS KICK CROSS ~ RUBBER LEGS
1-4Kick downward or point R across L, Step R to right, Kick downward or point L across R, Step L to left
5 – 8Step in place R, L, R, L with feet apart, knees bent, knock knees together each time you step.
(Step slightly forward on ct. 8)
TAG: End of 3rd wall, facing 3:00. Take 6 slows walks in a big circle R, beginning with R foot. Wave the R index finger in the air as you make the big circle. Come back to the 3:00 wall (12 cts.)
PICK UP: After the tag, pick up the dance on ct. 33 (1/2 breaks – Rag Top Down Chorus).
END: Music fades on 9:00 wall after ct. 64 (rubber legs). Turn ¼ left, stepping R forward into lunge. Hands in the baseball umpire “safe” position.
Pulse the R heel (and shoulders – optional) to the beat until the song is over.
Contact: Web access: www.MichaelandMichele.com - mburtonmb@sbcglobal.net
Translating…
Music
About the Choreographer
Michele Burton is a passionate dance enthusiast and choreographer with an impressive collection of 28 dynamic dances in our archive. Known for their innovative style and infectious energy, Michele continues to inspire dancers of all levels to embrace their creativity and express themselves through movement.
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