[LMC]

Second lesson tonight. Unfortunately, because it's basics, not beginners, there's no progression from week to week - so I shall definitely sign up for the arts depot beginners course as a "top up", even if I have progressed to intermediates by the time the arts depot next course starts in April/May.

Kicca is apparently in Buenos Aires and will be back next week. I'm sure Clive and DJ will want to burn the heretic, but a "regular" that I got chatting to tonight reckons that although K is the better dancer, Hamza is the better teacher.

First up: walking. This week concentrating on holding the frame whilst turning our chests from side to side - opposing the foot we were stepping onto. After about half the classes' shoulders rebelled - including mine - we partnered up and practised (or in my case learned then practised) box steps (from follower's POV, sideR, back, back, sideL) and cross steps (sideR, back, back-cross, back, sideL). I was quite proud of myself for being slightly ahead of the game by consciously making an effort to bring my feet together - Hamza made a big thing of heels together tonight, which I found quite easy on the box steps - but not so much on the next bits, for which I'm not even going to attempt to describe the footwork - a turn with a sandwiche (Hamza said something like mohita? -g'wan, laugh at the beginner) and 6-point turns.

I got told off for crossing my feet when I wasn't supposed to - MJ training creeping in! - so need to focus on pivoting and stepping separately (if that makes sense). I felt that the guys were frequently rushing the lead, which results in me losing connection. That could well be me being too slow - I'm not yet able to pick up the beat and dance at the same time! - need to listen to more tango tracks, suggestions gratefully received.

Hamza quote for this week: "(leaders) even if you have both eyes closed, keep one eye on your partner". Love it.