[mark12_30]

Here is the promised description of a hobbity Pas De Basque for incorporation into the Barrow Downs Springle Ring:

Starting with the right foot: On the count of "and", or "&", reach diagonally forward to your right. (As in, 45 degrees to your right.) This is a reaching motion, so that your foot stretches out as you get ready to spring onto it. (The French and Scottish both call this a "jete".) Be sure that your foot is no higher than the bottom of your knee; ankle-height is practical and comfortable.

Then spring softly onto your right foot (that's "1").

Then place your left foot ("2") lifting your right foot. Your whole body should come up, as it did for the spring on the count of "and".

Then place your right foot again ("3").

Your left leg extends on the "and", springing onto your left foot is "1",
placing the right foot is "2",
placing the left foot is "3", (ready to extend the right foot again.)

This is a lilting step, relaxed and comfortable. You can let your arms remain quiet by your sides; or you can put your fists on your hip bones; or for a highland look, you can snap your fingers straight above your shoulders... I bet hobbits would do all three depending on their mood, the mood of the music, and perhaps how much of the Gaffer's home brew they had had.

You can also see how similar it is to a leap23. (Very!)

Next time I'll describe the "Rocking Horse", or balance. Very fun, very easy, very lilting and graceful...

This really would be much easier to describe with pictures.... I may put some thumbnails together, and post them. In the meantime, please feel free to PM me with specific questions as that will help me to improve the descriptions.