(BachaZouk) Counterbalance: the core concept unpacked through force dynamics - Masajose & Polina @ TLE Bangkok #bachata (filmed by Winnie PD)

“If the leader tells you somewhere that he's not perfect, it's better to just ignore it or take a little distance. My balance here is my own responsibility.”

CONTEXTExplaining the follower's attitude of owning their own balance when the leader's movement isn't perfect

“Counterbalance is a concept where opposing energies stand out. If I go up, she goes down.”

Defining counterbalance as energy running in opposite directions between leader and follower

“Losing balance means we both lose our balance together, because of that energy.”

CONTEXTExplaining how leader and follower lose balance at the same time in a counterbalance

“Instead of pinching the box (the frame), you have to hold it like this, using your shoulder blades.”

CONTEXTTechnique note on the frame (box) hold and how to use the shoulder blades

“The nice thing about the promenade is that it combines easily with turning movements.”

Explaining why the promenade connects so naturally into spins

“Learning the promenade is the first step to creating all kinds of variations.”

Wrapping up the class by stressing that the promenade is the foundation for variations