WORLD LINE DANCE - Dance Levels

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

This is an extract from the ever popular WORLD LINE DANCE NEWSLETTER which originates from the U.S. and published on a daily basis by Carol Craven
(thats a big plug by the way for people to join - its FREE and quite informative)

I'm putting this in tomorrow's newsletter but I think it's a great topic for discussion and I'm looking forward to hearing the responses on this list and if you could send a copy to me at tkandr@aol.com to use in the newsletter tomorrow and for the next few days, I would appreciate it.

Subject: Dance Levels
From: Terri Alexander
I don't know how to determine a level on a dance....last night I taught my class my newest choreography "Ladies Choice"(a big thanks to the dancers for being my test group).....I thought I was teaching an easy intermediate dance....I guess I should have said this was intermediate and not easy intermediate. I figured it would take longer to teach - even though there is repetition, it's still a 72 count dance....that means going over it more to get the sequences remembered. It's also a little fast and we all know that any dance that is quick at all feels like 'lightning speed' when you are first learning the steps...speed comes with practice- that doesn't determine the level of a dance. I did find a few areas last night that took more time - a little different step that took going over several times to feel comfortable. ......it is REALLY HARD to try to put a level on a dance......seems like the hardest ones I've learned are almost always just marked intermediate, but the ones marked easy intermediate are usually really easy.......where does one in the middle fall?? LOL Maybe some of those higher intermediate level dances should be marked Advanced - but again that word sometimes scares away people and they won't give it a chance....then we have the variety of levels...the absolute beginner/ ultra beginner/ beginner/ improver/ easy int. /intermediate/ high intermediate/ advanced and sometimes crossover dances that hit both beginner and intermediate levels<<grins>> As a dancer or instructor I understand the question, "How could the choreographer have thought this was a beginner dance?" ......as a choreographer I can say, "How do I chose the level?". I guess there is no true answer.....there is no guideline that says if a dance has certain elements then it progresses to a certain level.....there is no wheel to spin (wouldn't that be confusing!!) ........it' s all a matter of personal interpretation. The next time you pick up a step sheet, just imagine a sliding scale with the listed level....... ..the dance hits somewhere near that!
Wherever you are - Crank it up...and Dance!!!
www.crankitupanddan ce.com
NOTE FROM ME: I think this is a great question and I know that all different organizations have all kinds of ideas but especially for the break between beginner and intermediate I think it would be great to have a list of what steps make the break between beginner and intermediate so that I could add it to my little note that I send as a suggestion to choreographers who submit dances to post. I also think there should be an ABSOLUTE beginner category for those classes teaching brand new people to dance because even beginner dances are difficult when you don't know how to dance AT ALL. We've accomplished other things together and I think we could accomplish this so that the levels would be more meaningful to instructors so send me your suggestions and I'll share them with all of you and try to compile a consensus so they will be useful and I'll add whatever we come up with to the SUGGESTIONS FOR CHOREOGRAPHERS on my site. There's some good articles there in case you haven't read them.

Carol has since published the set of guidlines that were set up in early 2004

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

When Line dancing was in it’s infancy, the words ‘Watch me’ or ‘Follow me’ became almost by-words. Dance scripts were like Gold dust.

One could have been forgiven into thinking when being taught Line dancing in those early days that there wasn’t all that many dances going around-maybe 50 or a 100 at most. In those days ignorance was truly bliss.

Then the dances sheets started to flow more freely - and more ‘new’ dances followed. It was then that it was started to be noticed that the words ‘Easy’, ‘Tricky’, ‘Difficult’, ‘Hard’ that used describe the dance on those early dance sheets were been replaced by ‘Beginner’, ‘Intermediate’ and ‘Advanced’. It is not known how, where or why these changes came about or who even instigated them… but they have now been linked to Line dancing for over a decade.

As time progressed and more and more dances were being choreographed it was becoming evident that a number of dances with more complex step combinations were being introduced and levelled at one of the three ‘new’ levels.
On not so close examination it could be found that a ‘Beginner’ dance was far too complex for that Level and would be more suited to say the Intermediate dancer - and so on and so forth. In a number of cases the reason for these anomalies could have been that the Choreographer mistook their own abilities for the abilities of the dancer for which the dance was aimed at. It could have been that when the dances were taught, there were no Levels attached and so an Instructor (rightly or wrongly) tagged one on. Whatever the reason, the problem began to escalate when both Choreographers and Instructors alike saw a dance with similar (?) steps in any one of the Levels and so followed suit.

The problem did not go unnoticed and to try and combat the increasing complexity and diversity of the dances more Levels evolved - ‘Lower Beginner’, ‘Upper Beginner’, ‘Beginner/Intermediate’ ‘Lower Intermediate’, Upper Intermediate’, ‘Intermediate Advanced’.. And more recently, the term ‘Improver’ has appeared. This term seems to be intended for ‘somewhere’ (sic) in between Beginner and Intermediate (possibly replacing the Beginner/Intermediate level). The majority of dancers strive to improve – no matter what level they are at.
… But again the CONTENT… the FORMULA of those ‘Levels’ were - missing....... and the problems only got worse –and to a high degree appear to be getting worse as each month progresses.

The levels also don't contain and 'upper' or 'lower', because given time those ‘categories’ which are used in an ad-lib fashion by Choreographers will become the norm for journals, competitions and the like. In time they could no doubt metamorphosis into their own ‘level’ - and thus, creating even more confusion. These phrases are without substance and are, at most, an interpretation of an individuals perception at that precise moment in time. And by that thought, can change dramatically with each continuing creation.

For a long time I, along with many others have come across a dances labelled ‘Novice’. All these dances have been choreographed by very well known, high profiled people. Two of the dances contained full turns (one of those in ‘one count’) whilst between them - a hitched ¼ turn, Coaster Step and Vaudevilles – one even contained ‘Applejacks’. To add to the confusion, there are now also more and more Competitions that include the term ‘Novice’. On inspection of some of the dances chosen it is quite apparent that the use of the term within competitions must mean when someone is a ‘novice’ or ‘newcomer’ to those particular events ….and not to the general level of dance experience. Though it easy to see why both dancers and Instructors can become confused.
At the end of the day, the levels placed on the dance script should reflect an educated and accurate description - not some fanciful idea of the choreographers own ‘level of experience’ (?).

I have been to Countries and learnt a ‘Beginner’ dance, a dance that would strike more than fear into the most experienced Intermediate dancer in another Country. I’ve been to one side of a Country where the common ‘shuffle’ is the order of the day for a Beginner dance. Whereas on the other side of the Country if the dance doesn’t have at least two full turns in it then it would no good as a Beginner dance and wouldn’t even merit a second glance.

Prior to compiling these Level and over an 8 month period between October 2002 and late May 2003 a number of Organisations (14 in all) were contacted. Each were asked if they had some form of structure that they used as benchmarks or guidelines for each of the existing levels within Line dancing. Only three replies were forthcoming - in one I was sent four dance sheets - Beginner, Beginner/Intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced and nothing else. Another sent a reply that contained three lines for each of the main levels and the final one - an application form for membership and a covering letter stating that they could only make a reply to my request if I were a member of the Organisation.
Obviously something was lost during the communication.

An Instructor wishes to start classes for the absolute Beginner.. where do they begin to look for dances. You can’t always rely on other Instructors to give you the adequate information. You have to rely on common sense most of the time.. because even though you are searching through the vast amount of ‘Beginner’ dances you come across dances that are more suited to a circus acrobat or a Ballerina. More confusion.

The Present -
Now some Organisations (as mentioned earlier) or ‘Companies’ will point firmly at a need for the continual training of Instructors. There is a great deal of merit in what they say… there is also a great deal of self help available which could be either used in conjunction with the training or as a ‘stand alone’ issue. But unless there is some form of structured levels within Line dancing the problems that have been mentioned will not disappear with ‘extra tuition’.
And who will ‘train’ the Choreographers - taking away the assumption, that a great number of people seem to hold that ‘All Choreographers must be Instructors’. Issue could certainly be taken with some of the phrasing and improper dissection of standard Latin and Ballroom techniques and terminology even by 'well established and respected Choreographers' and maybe this area should be addressed more sooner than later - but that is not for this forum.

Please remember, these Levels are not written in ‘tablets of stone’. They are certainly not ‘the cure for all ills’, they cannot and should not replace any formal (or other) training that the Instructor may require. These Levels will be a tool - and one of many that should be used in conjunction with the expertise of the Instructor. Instructors must (and quite often do) realise that even within each level there are levels of competence which the dancer MUST be taught. Choreographers too must realise the same and should not always create their dances for those who have attained that highest pinnacle of each main level.

You know the old saying.. ‘they were all singing from the same sheet’…. Well, that not only means the Choreographers and Instructors but also the Organisations, Web sites, Magazines and journals. Now, you have at least something to work on - so that EVERYBODY can be of one voice.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
The terminology used is based on European phrasing. And no disrespect is either shown or given to other countries outside of Europe where different terminology is frequently used.

Michael Taylor
February 2004

NEW LINE-DANCE LEVELS : GUIDELINES

NOVICE - LEVEL 1

The total number of counts within the dance not to exceed 24
The dance should only be of one wall
All steps within this level should be of a single count. (i.e. No syncopated step combinations)
Steps or Step Combinations within this level could include:-

a. Grapevine
Note: The Grapevine should (at this stage) have as the fourth step a stomp, touch or a scuff.
b. Walk Forward.
c. Walk Backward
d. Heel Dig
e. Step Together/In Place.
f. Toe Touch (next to.... only)
g. Jazz Box (3 count).
h. Toe fan
i. Heel Swing

A dance at this level will not contain Turns, Tags, Bridges or Restarts.

NOVICE - LEVEL 2

The total number of counts within the dance not to exceed 32
The dance can be up to 4 walls (though it is recommended that a two wall is better to learn at first)
with a restriction to only two 1/4 turns.

Steps or Step Combinations within this level could include:-

a. Knee Hitch (at latter stage).
b. Hook (at latter stage)
c. Heel Splits
d. Rock Forward.
e. Rock Backward.
f. A simple Weave pattern (three counts) - which is slightly different to the grapevine
(already covered)
g. A NON Pivot 1/4 Turn (example: Grapevine with a 1/4 Turn, Jazz Box with a 1/4 Turn)
h. Forward Toe Strut.
i. Side Toe Touch
j. On the spot Triple Step (cha-cha's) - To teach very simple syncopation and where they remain
in an upright position.
k. Another form of simple introductory syncopation is the side 'Hip Bump'.

A dance at this level will not contain Tags, Bridges or Restarts.

BEGINNER LEVEL

The total number of counts within the dance not to exceed 36 - and at the latter stages 48
Steps or Step Combinations within this level could include:-

a. Pivot 1/4 Turn
b. Pivot 1/2 Turn
c. Introduction of Pivot Turns opposite to 'Line Of Dance' - at latter stages
(example: Dance is clockwise- Pivot Turn is ANTI clockwise)
d. 1/4 Turn Monterey (2 count: side-turn/together)
e. 1/2 turn Monterey Turn (2 count: side-turn/together) - at latter stages
f. Single count 1/2 Turn.
g. On the spot 1/2 Turn Triple Step (Cha Cha's)
h. Side Rock.
i. Backward Toe Strut
j. Side/Crossing Toe Strut
k. Coaster Step, Chasse, Sailor Step - as a three count combination. Then later as a syncopation.
l. Forward Shuffle.
m. Backward Shuffle.
n. Crossing Shuffle
o. Grapevine - Extended
p. Weave - Extended
q. Cross and Unwind 1/2 turn step combination.
r. Kick Ballchange.
s. Heel Switch (single and double)
t. Side Foot Switch
u. Forward Step Lockstep
v. Reverse Step Lockstep
q. A forward shuffle that incorporates a 1/4 or 1/2 turn inclusive and prior to the first movement.

Within this level there is no limitation on the number of turns but caution is requested not to exceed what the dancer is capable of achieving both comfortably and safely.
NOTE: A very simple and easily recognisable Tag not exceeding more than 8 counts may be introduced at latter stages of level.
A dance at this level will not contain Bridges or Restarts or multiples of Tags.

ADVANCED BEGINNER LEVEL

A dance at this level should not exceed 48 counts.
Steps or Step Combinations within this level could include:-

a. Vaudevilles (1/2 and full)
b. Forward Diagonal Shuffle
c. Backward Diagonal Shuffle.
d. Turning Shuffle - where the turn is incorporated into steps 1 and 2 (in reality a turning Chasse)
at latter stages
e. Reverse Cross Shuffle
f. Rolling Grapevine
g. Grapevine - with Syncopation
h. Weave - with Syncopation
i. On the spot 3/4 and Full Turn Triple Steps (Cha Cha's)
j. Travelling Sailor Step
k. Turning Sailor Step
l. Turning Coaster Step
m. Combination Turns i.e. 1/2 Pivot followed immediately by a 1/4 Pivot
n. Staggered full turn (i.e. a full turn over 3 or possibly 2 counts).
o. Cross and Unwind 3/4 turn step combination.

The introduction of a very simple and musically well-defined phrased dance of the A-B variety (which may or may not exceed the cut off point for counts within the level).
Within this level there is no limitation on the number of turns but caution is requested not to exceed what the dancer is capable of achieving both comfortably and safely.
A single Tag not exceeding 8 counts could be included within the dance, this being relatively simple and musically well-defined
Also a Restart may be introduced within this level, no further than the first section of the dance - and at a later stage, the second or third section.
Introduction of the Bridge - though this should not be introduced into a dance where there is already a Tag or Restart or both.
The introduction of secondary upper limb or head movement to create a visual expression within certain dances (i.e. Shimmies).

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

A dance at this level should not exceed 64 counts.
Steps or Step Combinations within this level could include:-

a. Apple-Jacks
b. Full Turn over a single count
c. Cross and Unwind full turn step combination
d. Mule Kick with slaps (see note below)

Mule Kick with slaps - &1&2 (jumping into the air) Slap left foot with left hand, slap right foot with right hand, step down onto left foot, step down onto right foot. The move could start with the right. Modified versions of this are for count 2 cross step or step forward

It is expected, though not a requirement that at this stage the step combinations become less repetitive and 'more variety' would become more in evidence.
Within this level there is no limitation on the number of turns but caution is requested not to exceed what the dancer is capable of achieving both comfortably and safely.
Dances within this level will also allow for the introduction of more secondary upper limb and head movements to enhance a particular movement. These same movements may also be an integral part of the dance which affords its own count much in the way that a 'hand clap' is sometimes used as a count on its own even within the Novice Levels. These movements will, of course be more contrived than a simple handclap.
The introduction of slightly more elaborately phrased dances - though not exceeding an A-B-C status (which may or may not exceed the cut off point for counts within the level).
Up to two Tags not exceeding 8 counts each and a single Restart.
- Or 3 Tags and no Restart
- Or 1 Tag and 2 Restarts
A Restart would be permitted anywhere within the dance
A Bridge not exceeding 16 counts could be included within the dance only if there are no Tags - a single restart is permitted.

ADVANCED LEVEL

It could be assumed that there should be no cut off point as to the number counts within a dance at this level, but this could give rise for anything up to the total number of counts/beats within a particular song. For example a piece of music lasting four minutes and at a steady 120 beat per minute could, in theory produce a dance of anything up to 240 counts. This being the case then the dance would only be achieved by a select few dancers - even within the Advanced dancer ranks. Therefore some sort of cut off must be provided so that the vast majority of dances within this level can be enjoyed by the vast majority of dancers.
The may be a need for a special category or level for dances that are over a possible proposed cut off point.

A dance at this level should not exceed 108 counts.
It is envisaged that dance within this level could have the following -

Multiple Restarts and or Tags
Phrased dances exceeding A-B-C (which may or may not exceed the cut off point for counts within the level).

Subject: Re: WORLD LINE DANCE - Dance Levels Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:35 pm

Of course these guidelines will be helpful to most choreographers, but I know there are those who will completely disregard them for rather "sneaky" reasons. Twisted Evil

I know certain choreographers who label their dances at a particular level (regardless of whether they really are suitable for that level of dancer or not) with things like the crystal boot awards in mind.

So for instance, theyll label a dance as 'advanced' (when it possibly isnt Wink

) simply because the number of advanced dances that get taught is relatively low, and therefore theres more chance of success at the awards. And similarly, there are choreographers who put out a 'beginner/intermediate' dance (when it possibly isnt! Wink

) because these are the ones that, generally, become very popular as they pertain to the largest 'group' of dancers.

When the nominations are announced for the awards, you so often hear 'but i wouldnt call that a 'beginner' dance'. It just happens to be labelled as such. Rolling Eyes

I think this is starting to get stamped out now though, especially with the current interest in dance level guidelines

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

Hi Jennie.....

Very observant ....and so close to the truth…

I hope you are right regarding the last paragraph ‘I think this is starting to get stamped out now though, especially with the current interest in dance level guidelines’… but my gut feeling is that because too many journals/mags/organisations are too interested in ‘kerching’ they will only pay lip service. Guidelines are already in place.. (the ones posted above). They have NEVER had anything remotely like it… so why don’t they just say… ‘right.. certainly for the ‘Competition’ we will use those and WE will place the dances in the levels’ – but they wont.
They could (if they so wished) place the Novice levels under one banner - Absolute Beginners (2008 could very well see a 2 horse race)
I find it amazing that there are so many Instructor/Choreographers who DO make money out of this ‘hobby’ don’t stick their heads over the parapet and tell it like it is. I surmise the vast majority are scared sh*****s that their ‘fan base’ may not approve (such is their ego). In my professional opinion, Instructors who have become Choreographers have more than helped to create this problem – and I don’t see ‘em nodding in agreement or even wanting to sort the mess out. That is UNTIL it is finalized – then they will start bleating if it doesn’t suit ‘em..

Admin Joined : 03 Dec 2006 Posts : 410

As a mere dancer its all very confusing. So called beginner dances can turn out to be quite tricky, whilst some so called advanced dances are easy peasy. Never seems to be any logic to it. I have found that some instructors will inadvertantly frighten some dancers by saying a dance is tricky - just because of it rating on the sheet - when actually the whole class is more than capable of learing the dance very easily.

all very odd

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

Hi,

I thought this may be the time to give this topic another 'airing'.

Dont know about you, but I have gone through the nominations for the next Linedancer Magazine CBA and am left scratch

as to how some of the levels are tagged onto the dances.

Jennies post seems to have more than a ring of truth to it.

What do YOU reckon....???

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

Hi ..

I'm giving this thread a bit of a jerk up 'cos :

1. The old old story of wrong dance levels is again (weekly ritual) rearing its head again on other webs site and within conversations generally.
2. As this is an open board I can safely assume that many people from other boards including LDUK and Linedancer actually read it.. in fact some are members of this site.

These levels ARE being used all over the World. Sorry to say some people reckon that 'A BIG NAME' hasn't constructed them then they are no good - could be the reason why leading Linedance Magazines ain't published them. Talk about 'head in the sand' doubt

.

Anyway..... read on...HUH!!.... what you looking down here for... go to the top of the thread... Laughing

Joined : 25 Sep 2008 Posts : 12

To me there are only THREE classes of line dancers namely the BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCE. Don't get me wrong, I am not talking about how to classify them, all the criteria and the works! My argument is that a beginner is a beginner no matter what. Sweet and simple. Why introduce terms like absolute, improver, advanced beginners to confuse the whole world? The same applies to the intermediate and advance line dancers. Leave the sub-classification like absolute and improver to the instructors themselves. Then the world will be a better place to live in.
Mind you, I have line dancers who are still in the beginner level after 6 years of dancing. Teach them something intermediate, they will be lost. These people joined me a year ago. They do not know how to start the dance and almost all the time, they dance faster than you do.

Joined : 25 Sep 2008 Posts : 12

To all fellow choreographers out there, just classify your line dances in three simple categories of Beginner, Intermediate and Advance according to the criteria already spelt out. Leave the headaches of selecting which dance to teach which group to the instructors. After all, most of them are paid to do the job.

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

Hi Leo,

"...Mind you, I have line dancers who are still in the beginner level after 6 years of dancing. Teach them something intermediate, they will be lost..."

The old age question arises.... what makes the Instructors POSITIVE that what they are teaching their students is indeed a 'Beginner' dance. The instructors may have the 'experience'... but without the 'knowledge' the 'experience' cannot be fullfilled, would you not agree.

"..These people joined me a year ago. They do not know how to start the dance and almost all the time, they dance faster than you do..."

There are always 'eager Beavers'..lol... but surely, this has nothing at all to do with the actual level of any particular dance.

There HAS to be a dividing line of sorts in the levels.. but get a hundred Instructors in a room .. and you WILL get a hundred different answers and THAT is not good.

Please remember, these Levels are not written in ‘tablets of stone’. They are certainly not ‘the cure for all ills’, they cannot and should not replace any formal (or other) training that the Instructor may require. These Levels will be a tool - and one of many that should be used in conjunction with the expertise of the Instructor. Instructors must (and quite often do) realise that even within each level there are levels of competence which the dancer MUST be taught. Choreographers too must realise the same and should not always create their dances for those who have attained that highest pinnacle of each main level.
_________________
Stay bright - Stay happy, Hold on to your dreams

Joined : 25 Sep 2008 Posts : 12

Wow....what have I got myself into? On the surface, this subject appears to be straight forward and simple, dealing with 3 categories of beginner, intermediate and advance. Go a little deeper, it is a very complex sort of subject dealing with a lot of issues like talents, ability, capability, interpretation, experience and opinions to name a few!

In the absence of some sort of authority or controlling body, it is a free for all situation and like you mentioned - put a hundred instructors in a room and you will get a 100 different answers. Efforts to categorise each level of competency will be futile as only a small group of choreographers will follow these guidelines. Those with different ideas will continue to classify their choreography according to their perceived standards.

Admin Age : 57 Joined : 21 Feb 2007 Posts : 743

Hi Leo,

Your second paragraph is 'spot on'.

This is the main reason why I sought to formulate the guidlines in the first place. There has NEVER been any substance to any levels which Choreographers have placed on their scripts.
Slowly, the word is getting out so to speak people ARE beginning to notice the (new) levels in Line dance Choreography or be it a consistancy. And people being Human - Instructors and Choreographers would be most reluctant to actually admit that they (might) use the guidlines for fear that it may be a 'weakness'. Nothing should be further from the truth - we are all Human.

What I can see happening is some Line dance journal/publication or other will 'take it upon themselves' to set up a 'brand new set of Line Dance Levels' and express to the World that they are leaders in this field.
They could not give credit to a total unknown... it goes without saying that only a famous well known person should have the credit... ahhh welll - such is life.

I am not after any praise for setting up the guidlines, you can bugger that. What I AM after though is the satisfaction that maybe, in time an instructor can look at the level on a script and KNOW its right for their class possibly before even taking a step.

You mentioned that '..In the absence of some sort of authority or controlling body..' they have had their opportunity over many years...they were given an opportunity to contribute.. but no... they take the subscriptions, put on big World shows, give out awards... and yet they 'judge' dances only on the strength of what 'level' the Choreographers put on the scripts.

Jennie expressed a concern earlier in the posts about the motives for sometimes putting a different (and wrong) level on a dance - this was possibly borne out earlier this year. Suprisingly (or maybe not) one of the winners of this years Crystal Boot Awards was totally against the guidlines when they were being set up - almost aggressively it could be said.
_________________
Stay bright - Stay happy, Hold on to your dreams