Rainbow
Beginner Level
The foundation — what every new dancer needs to know
An overhead arm arc that traces a rainbow shape over the follower's head — a traveling lasso that changes position.
Beginner focus
From open hold with left hand to right hand, leader: lift the connected hands upward and sweep them in an arc from your left to your right, over the follower's head. Her body will naturally turn underneath the arc. Keep the arc high and wide — think of drawing a rainbow across the sky. She should never have to duck. Complete the arc and settle into whatever position the turn has created.
Tips
- •Think of the highest point of the rainbow as directly above the follower's head. The arc should clear her by at least 6 inches.
- •Leader: keep your elbow soft throughout. A straight, locked arm creates an ungraceful geometric line; a soft arm creates a true arc.
- •Practice the rainbow arm path solo with a scarf or ribbon — the fabric should flow smoothly, never jerk.
Common mistakes
- •Making the arc too low, forcing the follower to duck under the arm
- •Rushing the rainbow, making it look like a hand wave instead of a deliberate arc
- •Not allowing the follower enough space to turn underneath the arm path
- •Using a rigid arm instead of a flowing, soft elbow through the arc
Practice drill
With a partner, do 10 rainbows from left to right, then 10 from right to left. On each one, the follower rates the comfort on a 1-5 scale. Adjust height, speed, and width until every rainbow scores a 5. Then chain alternating left-right-left rainbows for 32 counts of music.