Yemenite Step - Description

Description

The basic Yemenite step provides a swaying movement that changes the dancer's direction of motion, although the dancer may face forward throughout the step. It is usually a sideways movement, but may be done moving backward and forward (or vice-versa). It consists of three steps, with a short pause on the final step for a "quick, quick, slow" tempo.

The most common variations are known as a right Yemenite (or Yemenite right), and left Yemenite (or Yemenite left). (The alternate form of each name—placing the adjective after the noun—is due to a common preference among dance teachers to emphasize the name of the step rather than its direction.) Each of these names specifies both the direction of the first movement, and the foot on which the movement begins (and ends).

The following description of the right Yemenite step explains the footwork and direction of movement:

1. Beginning with weight on left foot, step sideways to the right. Weight moves right, onto the right foot.
2. Shift weight left, onto the left foot, which may stay in place or move slightly backward.
3. Cross right foot in front of and slightly past the left foot, and step on right foot. Weight moves left, onto the right foot.
4. Hold. Weight stays on right foot. Left leg remains behind and slightly to the right, with toe on the ground for balance.

Reversing the above footwork and direction of movement will give the details of the left Yemenite step.