[Chris]

Originally posted by Gadget
I've got my own list that I try to keep updateed with each week's moves - in this I try to rate them as follows:
0 - easy to lead ; lady can be given no doubt as to where they sould be/go
1 - standard ; if lady picks up an offered hand or follows smaller leads then the move is easaly led
2 - difficult ; move requires a known sigal or the lady to have knowledge as to what is expected of her (dips, leans...)
3 - impossable ; requires all of the above, and verbal instructions (normally airials)

I have a similar system (although I generally simply call moves choreographed or non-choreographed), but as I don;t have a regular fixed partner to practice with I almost automatically go through a process of taking the more choreographed (or 'specific signal') moves and either transposing 'em so they can be 'led' or working out the simplest way to explain it mid-dance.

eg, for drops that are similar to ones already done with that partner but which require a specific handhold, dancing in a gently interactive way and seeing if the handhold can be achieved 'naturally'; or for dramtic moves requiring gestures on the part of the lady, figuring out a short explanatory phrase that can be thrown in with a smile. Both these require back-ups into other moves of course in case they don't 'take'! :sorry