Form 5 Hand Strums the Lute
Move right foot a half-step forwar towards left heel. Sit back and turn torso slightly to
the right (10-22 o'clock), shifting weight onto right leg. Raise left foot and place it slightly
forward , heel coming down on floor and knee ben a little to form a left "empty step."
Meanwhile, raise left hand in a curve to nose level, with palm facing towards the right and
elbow slightly bent. Right hand moves downward until it reaches the inside of left elbow, palm
facing to the left. Look at forefinger of left hand. (Figs. 38-40)
Points to remember: Body position should remain steady and natural , chest relaxed and
shoulders and elbows held down. Movement in raising left hand should be more or less circular.
In moving right foot a half-step forward, place it slowly in position, toes coming down first.
Weight transfer must be coordinated with the raising of left hand. Face 9 o'clock in the final
positon.
Form6 Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
- Turn torso slightly to the right (11-12 o'clock). Right hand makes a semicircle past abdomen
and upward to shoulder level with palm facing upward and arm slightly bent. Turn left palm up
and place toes of left foot on floor. First look to the right as body turns in that direction,
then turn around to look ahead at left hand. (Figs. 41-42)
- Bend right arm and draw hand past the ear before pushing it ahead with palm facing forward.
Pull left hand back until it is beside waist, palm facing upward. At the sam4e time, raise left
ffot lightly and take a step backward towars 3-4 o'clock , placing it slowly on the floor toes
first. Turn body to the left (8 o'clock") and shift weight onto left leg to form a right "
empty step", with right foot pivoting on toes until foot points forward. Look at right hand
(Figs. 43-44)
- Turn torso slightly to the left (6-7 o'clock). At the same time , carry left hand sideways
and up to shoulder level, palm facing upward, while right palm is turned up. Eyes first llk to
the left as body turns in that direction, then turn around to look ahead at right hand.
(Fig . 45)
- Repeat movements in 2) , reversing "right " and "left". (Figs 46-47)
- Repeat movements in 3), reversing " right" and "left". (Figs. 48)
- Repeat movements in 2) . (Figs 49-50)
- Repeat movement in 3). (Fig. 51)
- Repeat movement in 2), reversing "right and "left" (Fig. 52-53)
Points to remember: In pushing out or drawing back, hands should not go straight but shold
mvoe in an arc. While pushing out hands, keep waist and hips relaxed. The turning of waist
should be coordinated with hand movements. When stepping back, place toes down first and then
slowly set the whole foot on floor. As body turns, pivot on toes of front foot until it comes
in line with body. Move left leg slightly towards the left (or right leg slightly towards the
right ) when taking a step backward, taking care to prevent the feet from ending up in a
straight line. Depending on the direction of body turn, look first to the side and then turn
to look at the hand in front . Face9 o'clock in the final position.