Jake Harper
Chicken walks is a dance move most commonly found in swing dances such as East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Jive. It can also be incorporated into samba, where it is known as plaits. In chicken walks, the leader and follower rarely perform the move simultaneously. Typically, the follower performs the chicken walk while the leader pretends to pull them backward. To begin, start in the open position with knees slightly bent and weight on one foot—for example, the left. On the first count, slide the right foot forward without weight, turning the hips and shoulders to the right. The right toe should remain in contact with the floor. On the second count, transfer the weight to the right foot while repeating the previous movement with the opposite foot.
Characteristics and Values Table for the Chicken Walk in the Jive
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initial position | Knees slightly bent, weight on one foot (e.g. the left foot) |
| Count 1 | Slide the right foot straight forward without weight, keeping the toe in contact with the floor. Turn hips and shoulders to the right. |
| Count 2 | Transfer weight onto the right foot while keeping knees bent. Repeat the Count 1 movement with the left foot. |
| Foot movement | The support foot may swivel during weight transfer, allowing outward-diagonal steps. |
| Partner dynamics | Almost always, the follower does the chicken walk while the leader leads. The leader may walk backward, pretending to pull the follower, or do swivel walks while the follower pushes from behind. |
| Advanced movement | The right knee is firmly straightened on the second half of the preceding step, moving the right hip back and to the right. The left foot is then placed back on the ball of the foot with the knee flexed. |
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What You'll Learn
Start in the open position
To begin the chicken walk in the jive, you and your partner should start in the open position. This means that you'll be facing each other, with your bodies forming a straight line. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and extend your arms out to the sides, so that your partner's hands are held at shoulder height.
The man's right hand should be holding the woman's left hand, with their arms extended to the side, while the left hand is placed on the woman's right hip. The woman's right hand rests on the man's left shoulder, and her left hand is held by the man.
From this open position, you will now be able to begin the steps for the chicken walk. This dance move is all about quick, small steps, with a slight bounce, and it starts by taking a step forward with your right foot, bringing your left foot to meet it, and then stepping back with your right foot again. This is the basic step of the chicken walk, and it is performed in a straight line.
As you take these steps, your bodies should remain in the open position, with your arms extended. Keep your backs straight and your heads up, maintaining eye contact with each other. The chicken walk is a fun and lively move, so remember to smile and enjoy the music!
Remember that the chicken walk is just one of many moves in the Jive, a dance characterised by its fast pace, high energy, and bouncy steps. The open position is a fundamental starting point for many of these moves, so it's important to get comfortable with this stance and the connection between you and your partner.
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Basic steps: slide, turn, transfer weight
To perform the basic steps of the Chicken Walk in the Jive, you must master the slide, turn, and weight transfer.
Slide
Begin with your knees slightly bent, placing your weight on your left foot. As you count "1", slide your right foot straight forward without transferring your weight. Keep your right toe in contact with the floor at all times. During this slide, turn your hips and shoulders to the right, performing a contra body movement.
Turn
On count "2", it's time to turn and transfer your weight. Shift your weight onto your right foot while keeping your knees bent. Simultaneously, repeat the previous slide movement, but this time with the opposite feet. Slide your left toe forward while keeping it in contact with the floor, and turn your hips and shoulders to the left.
Transfer Weight
As you transfer your weight onto the right foot, the left foot (now acting as the support foot) can swivel in the direction of the forthcoming body turn. This swivel action allows you to perform the steps in outward-diagonal directions.
The Chicken Walk is typically performed by the follower while the leader leads by walking backwards or pretending to pull the follower. It's important to note that both partners rarely perform the Chicken Walk simultaneously.
Remember, the Jive is a bouncy and energetic dance, so keep your knees flexed and maintain your weight on the balls of your feet throughout the movement.
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The leader's role
As the leader, your role in the chicken walk jive is to guide your partner through the dance moves, creating a dynamic and fun experience for both of you. Here are some essential instructions and tips to help you effectively lead the chicken walk:
Understanding the Basics
Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic steps of the chicken walk in the jive. Begin in the open position with your knees slightly bent. The initial position has your weight on one foot, let's say the left foot, with the right foot moving. This understanding of the basic steps will enable you to guide your partner effectively.
Leading with Confidence
As the leader, you set the tone and direction of the dance. While your partner does the chicken walk, you may walk backwards, creating the illusion of pulling your partner. This can be done by assuming the shadow position with any handhold, allowing you to lead your partner seamlessly. Your movements should be confident and deliberate, ensuring that your partner follows your lead gracefully.
Timing and Rhythm
Mastering the timing and rhythm of the chicken walk is crucial. On count 1, slide your right foot straight forward without weight, while turning your hips and shoulders to the right. This is a unique aspect of the chicken walk, creating a playful and lively dynamic. On count 2, transfer your weight onto the right foot while bending your knees, and repeat the movement with the opposite feet. The swivels and body turns add to the energetic nature of the dance.
Communication and Connection
Effective communication with your partner is essential. Use subtle cues and handholds to guide your partner's movements. The chicken walk is rarely done simultaneously by both partners, so ensure you are in sync by maintaining a strong dance connection. Practice communicating through eye contact, subtle signals, and the gentle pressure of handholds to seamlessly navigate the dance floor together.
Variations and Creativity
Explore variations and creative elements within the structure of the chicken walk. You can incorporate different handholds, such as the shadow position, to add interest to your dance. Experiment with different tempos and styles, such as ballroom jive, to make the dance your own. Remember, the chicken walk is a playful and energetic move, so feel free to add your own flair and personality to the routine.
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The follower's role
As a follower, your role during the chicken walk is to match the leader's energy and rhythm while performing the steps in reverse. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to do:
Starting Position: Begin by standing facing your partner, with your feet together and your arms relaxed at your sides. Maintain a comfortable distance that allows for movement.
First Step: When the music starts, your first step is backward. As the leader steps forward, you step back with your left foot, maintaining a steady and controlled pace. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight balanced.
Arm Movement: While stepping back, bring your arms up and out to the sides, elbows bent, and palms facing down. This open and lively arm movement adds to the playful character of the dance.
Second Step: Quickly bring your right foot back to meet your left, keeping your toes pointed down towards the floor. This creates a compact and energetic stance.
Bounce and Repeat: Now, you'll want to bounce in place by bending your knees and straightening them in a small, quick movement. This bounce adds to the lively feel of the dance. After the bounce, you'll repeat the steps in the opposite direction.
Reverse Steps: Step backward with your right foot, then bring your left foot back to meet it. Remember to keep your knees bent and your weight distributed evenly. Repeat the arm movement, bringing your arms up and out to the sides.
Throughout the dance, remember to maintain eye contact with your partner and stay responsive to their lead. The chicken walk is meant to be fun and playful, so feel free to add your own flair and personality to your moves. Keep your movements synchronized with the music, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!
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Variations: samba, swing dances
Chicken walks are a dance move most frequently used in swing dances, such as East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and jive. They can also be incorporated into samba dancing, where they are known as "plaits".
Chicken walks are usually led by one partner, while the other follows. The leader may walk backward, pretending to pull the follower, while the follower performs the chicken walk.
To perform the chicken walk, begin with your knees slightly bent, and your weight on one foot—for example, the left. On the first count, slide the right foot forward without transferring weight, while turning your hips and shoulders to the right. Your right toe should remain in contact with the floor. On the second count, shift your weight onto the right foot while bending the knees. Repeat the previous movement with the opposite feet. The support foot may swivel during the weight transfer, allowing the steps to be performed in outward-diagonal directions.
The chicken walk can be adapted for samba and swing dances. In samba, the steps remain largely the same but are known as "plaits". For swing dances, the chicken walk can be incorporated into East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and jive. The basic steps can be modified with different timing and arm movements to suit the specific swing dance style.
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