One of the most misunderstood turns in Artistic Dance is the Forward Outside to Backward Outside Dropped C-Turn, commonly referred to as a Mohawk. While often taught as a turning action, this step is structurally a chassé, and understanding why begins with correct movement — not terminology.
Today's focus is on execution, with an introduction to the chassé concept that we will continue to build on in future posts.
🔹 Entry Edge — Posture Before Turn
The step begins on a clean Forward Outside edge with stable posture and a quiet upper body.
Key points:
- ✔️ Hips project forward with the chest lifted
- ✔️ Body moves over the skating edge, not into it
- ✔️ Skating knee remains flexed and supported
- ✔️ Pelvis stays stacked under the torso
🔹 Foot Placement — Structural Foundation
The free skate steps directly behind the skating foot.
Key characteristics:
- ✔️ American version: heel-to-heel placement
- ✔️ International version: heel-to-instep placement
- ✔️ Brief two-skate contact on the floor
- ✔️ Placement is precise, quick, quiet, and controlled
This placement is the first indicator of chassé structure. We'll expand on this concept in a future Technical Tuesday.
🔹 Dropped C-Turn — How Rotation Is Created
Many skaters are taught to "rotate the hip" to execute the turn, often resulting in twisting through the shoulders or core.
A more effective approach:
- ✔️ Rotation is initiated through the free knee, not the upper body
- ✔️ Right free skate → free knee turns clockwise
- ✔️ Left free skate → free knee turns counter-clockwise
- ✔️ Rotation originates naturally from the hip
This action is supported by glute activation, stabilizing the pelvis and allowing the hip to open cleanly without disturbing upper-body alignment.
The skating action forms a clear C-shape through the turn, with the feet remaining open and dropped, not crossed.
🔹 Weight Transfer — Release, Not Push
Weight transfer occurs by releasing weight from the original skating foot, not by pressing onto the new skating foot.
Key mechanics:
- ✔️ Momentum is created as the skating leg rises to a tall, supported knee
- ✔️ Body mass moves freely instead of being forced
- ✔️ Release happens quickly as the free skate strikes the floor
In both styles:
- ✔️ As the free leg draws inward, the skating knee rises tall before full transfer
- ✔️ American style: heels briefly click together
- ✔️ International style: free skate heel clicks to the instep
The new skating foot then assumes full weight on a Backward Outside edge, producing a clean, controlled exit.
🔹 What Defines This Step
- ✔️ Heel-to-heel or heel-to-instep placement
- ✔️ Brief two-skate contact
- ✔️ Clear change of direction through placement and release
- ✔️ Reset of motion rather than continuous flow
These characteristics separate this step from progressive-style motion.
🎯 Coaching Perspective
This step prioritizes posture, placement, hip-driven rotation, and release-based weight transfer. Correct execution should always come before terminology.
As skaters feel the structure, the classification of this mohawk as a chassé step will make sense — because the body already understands it.
📌 Key Takeaway
Turns don't come from twisting. They come from placement, posture, and release.
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