Dance Steps for Introdance

SPT = Starting Position (feet Together with weight on both feet)

FR1 = Forward step with weight on Right foot (with count of 1)

SL2 = Step in place with weight on Left foot (with count of 2)

BR2 = Back step with weight on Right foot (with count of 3)

SL4 = Step in place with weight on Left foot (with count of 4)

TR3 =Turn Right foot to make a quarter turn to the right and step with weight on right foot facing the right (with count of 3)

PL4 = Place tap - Bring Left foot along on that quarter turn to the right and tap in place next to right foot, keeping the weight on the right foot that made the quarter turn first (with count of 4)

Now you have the left foot free to start the same routine before turning to the back and then to the next quarter turn to the right before coming back to the starting position facing forward.

You will do this routine 4 times, facing each direction – facing forward, right, back, left, and facing forward again.

Introdance uses the following steps to make each quarter turn (4 times through the steps until facing forward again)

SPT FR1 SL2 BR3 SL4 FR2 SL2 BR3 SL4 FR3 SL2 BR3 SL4 FR4 SL2 TR3 (quarter turn to right) TL4 (tap left foot facing the right, ready to start again with the left foot leading this time)

Homework:

1. Practice the steps until you can do them four times (facing each direction once) without making any mistakes. This may take some time for several days/week.

2. Practice #1 while saying the counts aloud as you do the steps. Keep practicing the routine until it is perfect at least once in all four directions each day.

3. Practice #1 while saying the words of the Inwaldance Intro Chorus.

4. Practice #1 while sayng your PI (Personal Introduction) with confidence!

Step 1: Write a personal introduction that follows the standard rhythm of the sample introductions below.

Step 2: Practice the dance steps while reciting the introduction.

Step 3: Ask friends to list their 5 greatest assets/accomplishments/qualities and encourage them to rewrite their lists into verse (or work with them to create the rhymes).

Step 4: Practice the dance steps together while each person recites his/her personal introduction followed by the chorus to signal the next person's turn to recite his/her introduction. Each person should recite his/her Personal Introduction at least four times (facing all four sides of the room) before signalling to the next person by saying the chorus four times (facing all four sides of the room for the chorus as well). After each person in the room has been introduced and the group has joined together in saying and dancing each chorus, the standard Sun Exercise can be done by everyone to provide a transition before the second Inwaldance routine begins.

With several people in the group, the first routine can take as long as 30 minutes to 1 hour. This can provide a good aerobic workout as well as help to develop positive relationships among group members.

Step 5: Have group members or individuals write their 5 greatest fears/worries and then rewrite them into verse.

Step 6: Practice the dance steps together while each person participates in the second Inwaldance routine, with its chorus:

"Hit the drum. Hit the drum. Send fears back out on the run."

(for second Inwaldance routine instructions and dance steps, call 800-926-2258).

Using the dance steps for Introdance:

I am kind.

I've helped my friends.

I've done the best that I can do.

I forgive myself and others,

As I pass this on to you.

--------------First Chorus (to be recited before and after each individual's Personal Introduction-PI)

Second Chorus (Optional for the end of each Personal Introduction)

Though life may change and quickly pass,

I'm proud to speak and take the chance,

To celebrate this time with you,

And share my (insert name here) dance.

Sample Personal Introductions:

With courage, I start every day. I'm loyal to my friends, they say. Intelligent, creative too, Resilience helps me fight the blues. Though life may change and quickly pass, I'm proud to speak and take the chance, To celebrate this time with you, And share my (insert name here) dance. ____________________Female, Age 47

Note that the Personal Introduction above included the Second Optional Chorus at the end.

Student council, volley ball, best friend, boyfriend, like them all. I work hard at things I do. My strength is hope I pass to you. ____________________Female, Age 15

I am kind, Raised three great children. I'm a leader in my field. I've found love, built homes, write songs. My strength is hope to pass along. ____________________Female, Age 54

I am strong, Close with my daughters. I've helped men increase their wealth. I play golf. I ski and sail. My strength is hope that never fails. ____________________Male, Age 62

Way back in 1929, A golden star for dancing-mine! My father cheered his curly lass, When she was chosen first in class. From Junior High in '38 Another milestone at my gate, A medal from the DAR, Gave pride enough to life the bar. When World War II was at our door, The highest average was my score. From High School, then to College, Hey! Came Mortar Board and PBK. Forty years as married lady, Raised three kids with genius matey. Built a house and sailed a boat, And skied with Masters, one might note. Though days are short, And quickly pass, And time runs out for new success, Though years ahead may be too few, It's life and hope I pass to you. With some of life now in the past, I'm proud to speak and take the chance, To celebrate this time with you, And share my (insert your name here) dance! ____________________ Female, Age 82

Note that the length of the Personal Introduction doesn't matter as long as the person can memorize it and do the dance steps at the same time.

I am kind, have two best friends. I love my art and fashion trends. Involved in school and NHS, My strength is hope that never ends.___________________Female, Age 17

I am kind. I love to help. I love to make friends happy too. I cook and dress well every day. My strength is hope I pass to you. ____________________Female, Age 48

I love sports, Gymnastics too. I work and study in med school. With dance and song, I'll be OK. My strength is hope to share today._____________Female, Age 23

Voila, I'm here! I'm happy and calm. America's good. I have no qualms. Love teaching lessons every year, French class for all with savoir faire!_____________Female, Age 49