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Facing...

A description of the alignment of the body, when it is the same as the feet.
Example: Facing Line of Dance, Facing DC.

Fake

Changing from the usual foot by either skipping or adding a step to the normal step pattern.

Fallaway Position

A V-shaped dance position similar to Promenade Position, but with man and lady moving backward.

Fan

(1) A basic figure used in the International Style Rumba and Cha Cha, incorporating the Fan Position.

(2) A swivel taken on one foot, ended with the free foot pointing to the side.

Fan Position

Dance position where man and lady stand at right-angles, lady on man's left side. Man holds lady's right hand in his left.

Feather

A Foxtrot movement involving 3 progressive steps, the third step usually taken with lady in Right Outside Partner Position. Types of Feather movements: Feather Step, Feather Finish, Feather Finish from PP, Hover Feather, Curved Feather, Back Feather.

Fellow

The fourth complete level of the International system, representing the highest level of acheivement of syllabus patterns and concepts.

Figure

A standardized step pattern which, together with other patterns, constitute the basis of a dance.

Flat

Desccribed in the footwork section of the chart, abbreviated "F", or "WF" (for whole foot).

Flex (Foot)

(1) To incline the foot in such a way that it is placed at an angle nearly perpendicular to the leg.

(2) An inclined position of the foot which is acheived when the heel is still in contact with the floor, but the ball is not.

flex.gif (8502 bytes) Figure (1) and (2): Flexed Foot

Flick

An extention of the lower leg taken in a sharp or staccato manner.

Flirtation Position

A variation of the Shadow Position where the man and lady are in very close contact. Usually, the hands are connected in the following way: Man's LH to Lady's RH, and Man's RH to Lady's LH. Also known as Cuddle Position.

Floor Craft

The ability to maneuver around the dance floor in a skilled, controlled, and courteous manner.

Following

Correctly reacting to the movements and signals given by the leader, through one or more conncetions (visual and/or physical).

Follow-Through

The passing of the moving foot underneath the body between steps.

Foot Positions

(1) Indication of the placement of the feet relative to each other.
Examples: LF Forward, RF Side, LF Diagonally Back.

(2) The five positions of the feet as defined in Ballet, which are:

  • First Position (together)
  • Second Position (apart, side-by-side)
  • Third Position (heel to instep)
  • Fourth Position (apart, one foot forward)
  • Fifth Position (toe to heel)

See also: Technical Tips: Foot Positions

Foot Pressure

Pressure applied to the floor through the free foot, often a result of having partial body weight on it.

Foot Rise

Elevation of the body through the use of the ankles, by pushing up onto the balls of the feet.

Footwork

The part of the foot in contact with the floor at a specific point in time. Examples: Ball, Heel, Inside Edge of Whole Foot.

Formation Team

A group of three or more dancers who perform ballroom-style routines. 

Foxtrot

A smooth dance introduced to the public in 1913 by Harry Fox, noted for being the first dance to incorporate into the rhythm a combination of Slows and Quicks. Foxtrot is characterized by smooth, walking-style movements, but can be adapted to fit a variety of musical tempi and style, or to fit onto small, crowded nightclub dance floors.

Frame

The position of the arms and top line while in dance position.

Free Foot /
Free Leg

The foot or leg that does not have the majority of body weight, being free enough to move.

Freestyle /
Freestyle Division

A division of competition whereby the man leads the lady through an improvised set of figures, without relying on pre-determined choreography or dance routines.

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