42 The QUEE NS Courier • dance • SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com dance s s Cleaner Pickups – the techniques to learn BY SHAWN BYFIELD For most of us, a Pickup (also known as pull backs) is a light, hopping step that has two sounds, done on the ball of the foot. For standard pickups, both feet take off with a brush back. Then you land on the balls of your feet at the same time. With practice, a pickup can also be done standing on one foot. There are variations of the step of course, just like any step in tap dance. Four count (I’ve also heard them called delayed pickups) happen when one foot makes a brush, followed by the other. You then land on the first foot, and the other quickly lands after it. However, you’ll discover the above technique has two major flaws. The first problem – That brush back adds a “scrapey” sound. If you’ve been tap dancing for a while, you know the difference between a clear brush and a scrape. Listen to your shuffles; Your taps should resonate with a crisp sound. The second problem – Psychologically speaking, once you brush back, your body wants to put the foot down behind you, instead of landing on your start position. This makes you travel backward (ever learned pickups traveling across the floor?) and makes it much more difficult to stay on the spot. So how to avoid traveling, and make cleaner pickups? Follow these three steps: FIRST: Take lift off. JUMP. Don’t even think about the brush back. Spring off the balls of your feet, and only jump straight up in the air. SECOND: Once you’re in mid air, quickly tap on the way DOWN. You need to time that split second before gravity pulls you back down. Tap in the space before you land. LASTLY: Land on balls of your feet, making sure to bend your knees. NO HEELS! Always keep your weight on your toes. This most likely involves reprogramming the physics that you’ve learned from previous teachers. Because tapping on the way DOWN requires a bit more stomach, thigh and shin muscle strength, as well as perfect timing. But it can be done. Try this today, and make it a habit from now on. The best way to perfect this is to sit in a chair, lift your feet off the floor by pushing off the balls of your feet, then tap, then land. Repeat. Once you get it, you’ll immediately hear and feel the difference in your technique. Congratulations! ©Shawn Byfield (www.ShawnByfield. com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice. ADVERTORIAL The most acclaimed Dance Center in Queens!! Our studio has been eminent in Queens since 1969, providing an array of classes suitable for dancers of all backgrounds. From beginning students to pre professionals and professionals, young children to adults; we take pride in offering high quality instruction to those with an interest in dance. Our esteemed faculty is dedicated not only to presenting knowledge and insight to our students, but to creating an environment for enjoyment. We offer multi-level training in Ballet and Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, and Street Jazz; as well as open classes in Contemporary, Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Salsa on one and Club Style Salsa on two, Beginner and Intermediate Tap Zumba®, and Yoga; with our class selection constantly growing and evolving. For our young ones starting out we offer a variety of classes to help them grow and transition into our multi-level program such as Tiny Dancers, a new program for 2-3 yr. olds, Creative movement for ages three to four, Pre Ballet for ages four to five, Ballet/Tap Combo for ages five to six, and Jazz/Tap Combo for ages six to seven. With carefully designed programs for those looking for structured training as well as an eclectic selection for those looking to enjoy themselves, our studio ensures an opportunity for growth and a rewarding experience for all. In addition to classes, Studio now houses ELEVATION DANCE PROJECT, the resident performance ensemble. Established in 2014 with the mission to enhance performance quality while promoting technical and artistic growth, ELEVATION DANCE PROJECT is an advocate of developing and showcasing artists equipped for a multitude of performance prospects. EDP houses a unique blend of dancers ranging from pre-professional to professional, with the goal of bridging the gap between them. EDP is an all-embracing group of artists with multidisciplinary keenness and a contemporary voice that has pleased audiences with innovative movement executed through refined athleticism and artistic grace. Notable performances at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, the Queens Choreographers’ Showcase, Queensborough Community College, and The Dance Teacher’s Summit have led EDP’s work to be hailed as sophisticated and poignant. For those interested in EDP, please contact us at Studio E School of Dance.
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