D

Dab

A short, very quick Kick and Pull. A double dab [Kick Pull Kick Pull] done quickly is commonly used in St. Louis Shag executed at high speeds (over 250 bpm).

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Dancing

Arthur Murray said, 'Dancing is "conversation" to music.' Each specific dance is defined by how the dancer interprets the rhythm of the music.

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Delayed Double Rhythm Unit

This is a Syncopated Double Rhythm Unit. One very common method of execution is [Kick Step Step]. That is Kicking forward slightly on count "1", stepping together on the "a" count and then stepping forward on count "2". Some styling's require the dancer steps forward in 4th foot position on the "a" count.

Delayed Double Rhythm
(Even Rhythm - Syncopated)

		EVEN
Count		&	a	1	&	a	2
Rhythm				/		x	X
Foot				L		L	R
Foot Pos				4		1	4

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Delayed Single Rhythm Unit

Execution is doing anything, but not stepping, on count "1" and then stepping on count "2". One common method of execution is [Kick Step]. This not a syncopated rhythm.

Strait Count
Delayed Single Rhythm
(Odd Rhythm)

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Dependent Step Pattern

A Step Pattern that leaves the Opposite Foot Free at the end of the pattern.  This assumes that some compensating step will be executed at the beginning of the next step pattern.

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Dig

A Dig is normally started on the Down Beat (1st beat) of any Rhythm Unit by placing the CPB over the Unit Foot with the full weight on the Foot and the knee bent.  That is, it is executed as a Single Rhythm, [ X   /].  Also see Dig Swivel.

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Dig Swivel

Is executed with Dig first, then then swiveling the weighted foot.  A good example would be executing the Sugar Foot (Sugars), in place, heavily pressing the ball of the weighted foot into the floor then swiveling.  

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Direction

See Foot Positions

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Double Rhythm Unit

Double Rhythm is defined as 2 steps to 2 beats of music.

Straight Count

For diagram definitions see
Short Hand Terms or Annotation

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Double Time

This definition is not used by this writer. It causes a great deal of confusion to those trying to read different books on dance. Double Time, as used by some, is executed as a [Touch Step] or [Kick Step].  In the Universal Unit System (TM), this would be called a Delayed Single Rhythm and not Double Time. 

Straight Count

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Down Beat

Is the 1st beat of every Rhythm Unit. Also see Down Beat vs Up Beat

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Down Beat vs Up Beat

Down Beat: Is the 1st beat of every Rhythm Unit.
Up Beat: Is the 2nd beat of every Rhythm Unit in 4/4 Time. Is the 2nd & 3rd beats of every Rhythm Unit in 3/4 Time.

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Draw **

Assuming the feet are apart in some direction, the Draw action would slide the free foot next to the weighted foot into any possible foot position.

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