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The "Figure 8" Exercise

The Figure 8 Exercise reinforces foot placements and direction changes.

To Begin

Performers stand with feet together (heels and toes touching). Instruments are held in playing position. Posture should be perfect, with heels, hips and shoulders in a straight body line from the ground up. Shoulders should remain relaxed with elbows nice and open throughout the exercise.

Concepts

For this exercise there are foot placements associated with each direction change. The general rule is that the right foot "splits the difference" of the angle for the next direction change (See illustration). For instance in a 90-degree direction change to the left, the right foot would be placed in a 45-degree angle on the last count of the forward move. This exercise is based on an 8-to-5 step size.

Exercise

	(8 counts) Move straight forward 8 counts (8-to-5 steps). On count 8, place the right foot on a 45-degree angle to the left.
	(8 counts) Left Slide 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot on a 45-degree angle to the right.
	(8 counts) Straight back 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot on a 45-degree angle to the right.
	(8 counts) Right Slide 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot on a 45-degree angle to the left. You have returned to your original position.
	(8 counts) Straight forward 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot on a 45-degree angle to the right..
	(8 counts) Right Slide 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot in a 45-degree angle to the left.
	(8 counts) Straight back 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot in a 45-degree angle to the left.
	(8 counts) Left Slide 8 counts. On count 8, place the right foot in a halt position. Halt facing your original direction, in your original position, on count 1.

This exercise can also be done using "backward slides," so that in all slides, the performer leads with the heel.

Goals

The performer will focus on correct, straight pathways. The performer will master correct foot placements on direction changes. The performer will correctly use 8-to-5 step sizes on all counts, especially immediately before and after direction changes. Movement should be fluid and smooth at all times during the exercise.

Note: To teach this exercise and "clean" it, it may be necessary to execute 8-count phrases and stop to check foot placement, hip orientation, torso orientation, shoulder alignment, and instrument carriage.

Circledrill.com Exercises

Click the following links for instructions for each exercise.

MOVEMENT EXERCISES

	Posture Definitions
	The Hindu
	Balance Exercise
	Figure 8 Exercise
	Stop-and-Go's
	Across the Floors
	Flip-Flop Exercise
	Ultimate Circle Drill

MUSIC EXERCISES

Lucky 13

Five-tones

Patterson Chorale

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