(Larry: I’ve also changed the term lifter to base – because the whole point of aerials is that you use each other’s timing, energy and momentum. This way the guys don’t think they have to muscle the followers about. If I could think of another word for lifts, I would have used it!)

As a note: for convenience the base/leader is assumed to be male and the flyer/follower is female.

Floor sweeper addition - It is essential that both parties maintain tension entire time throughout the move.

Death drop

(spotter kneels to left of base, ready to catch flyer’s head if necessary)

Rock step, triple step, rock step, prep, dip

Hand hold - Leader holds with left palm down, hold is left to right, right to left. Leader left, follower right, holding each other’s wrists

Rock step - Both do a rock step.

Triple step, lead brings follower in to cuddle position keeping bodies at right angles.

Rock step - follow will return to the place of origin, staying close to the lead

Prep - During the count where one would normally do a triple step, leader brings the follow close and rotates her so that she is leaning forward as far as she can in his ams. She has not moved her feet. Her head is toward her left so both parties can check in. If neither person is stable, abort the move at this point.

Dip – Leader’s left and followers right hands go over follower's head. He shrugs. Follower unwinds and drops toward the ground. Follower needs to keep body straight as a board once the move is started. Follower’s feet must be stationary from the time of she is led to lean forward (in order to check in) to the time to when the move is completed. Her feet serve as anchor point. IE, she cannot allow her body to slide. Follower will maintain slight bend in the arms – which prevents injury to shoulders and arms. Follow can look up at partner or out to audience.

Style - Lead will want to give the impression that he is suddenly “throwing” the follower to the floor. To maximize drama, make the “shrug” as quickly as possible once it is established that both partners are comfortable with this move.

Exit is easiest if follow is brought up and rotated simultaneously. Swing out is very easy immediately afterwards

Cherry Drop

(Larry: I don’t know why but I’m uncomfortable with the phrase rock, step, spin, down, lift, pose. It really is technically a rock step, triple step/spin, prep, lift, pose. It’s a question of semantics I suppose. I will say as a follow, I especially don’t like the word grab.)

(Spotter will be in front of leader, ready to catch head and shoulders of follower if necessary)

rock step, triple step/spin, prep, lift.

Hand hold - right to right, holding each other’s wrists

Both do a rock step

Triple step/spin - Lead will triple step in place. The triple step for the follower is a spin/turn so that she faces the leader with her hand behind her back. During the turn, the followers wrist will rotate in leaders hand, she release her grip for a moment to do this then reconnect. She will stay close to the leader, taking care not to clock the base with her right elbow as she turns. Her left hand will be on his shoulder.

Prep - follow doesn't put all of her weight on leader (I don’t put any weight –though I do maintain connection- on the leader at this point) Leader may want to put left hand on follower's left waist.

Lift - As the flyer moves upward, lead places follower so that follower’s lower back on leaders thigh. Follow will have right knee bent and supported against the lead’s back. Follower’s left leg will be fully extended. Follower should be able to support herself in this position without the use her or the leader’s left hand.

Style - For the best visual effect, follower puts her hand over her head rather than toward the side at the end of this move. She makes a continuous straight line starting from her foot and ending with her hand. Leader can put his left hand in the air. Both look out toward the audience. This is traditionally used at the end of a piece.

Shin Buster:

(Spotter will be to the left of leader where the flyer will land after lift 2)

rock step, prep, lift1, lift2

From closed position with standard hand holds, base is stationary as he leads the flyer into a rock step

Prep - Flyer brings both feet together and jumps

Lift 1 - She lands on onto base's right thigh, her ankles almost up to his waist, her shins on his thigh. He holds left hand low, palm to palm. Flyer keeps right arm straight and maintains frame

Lift 2 - Base brings flyer from his right side towards his left. He brings left hand higher, though keeping it under the flyer at all times. He lifts up. Her momentum will naturally send her out. His right hand will release her. Throwing her out (as opposed to up) will not help give you enough air for dramatic effect.

The flyer uses legs and both arms to push up but will use her right arm more than left. It is critical that she keep her right arm straight and underneath her. No noodle arms! She lands with weight forward, not back, lest her momentum bring both dancers off balance. The flyer should land on her feet in this order - toe, ball, heel - and keep the landing quiet and soft which will be easier on her knees.

Style - By keeping her knees tucked underneath, the flyer gives the illusion of having achieved greater height. After lift 2, both hold the landing pose a few beats with respective free hands raised in the air. Both can do Big Apple moves (Crazy Legs, Tick Tock or Mess Around) until they and the music are ready for a swing out.

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