The Butterfly Family
|
The image above shows the chain positions for the butterfly, which is the starting position for a variety of moves. Most butterfly variations switch circles from in front of the body to behind the body, and use cross-over #3 from the advanced moves section. Assuming that you've mastered cross-over #3, here's a list of moves centered around the butterfly which you should find pretty easy to pick up.
Overhead Butterfly
In this variation, both chains are twirled alternately in front and then both behind you. This is commonly one of the first moves folk learn, as it looks harder that it really is.
Starting position:
Twirling in time, forwards and in front.
To perform:
Twirl the chains in the starting position. When both chains reach the tops of their circles, cross them over so that they're behind you at the same time for a circle, and then bring them back in front of you again. Ben taught me this trick by telling me to "just throw them behind you and then quickly bring them back in front of you again" - or words to that effect! I've since used that exact method to teach others - after a couple of attempts, folk usually get it (as well as the odd bruise!).
Variations:
Changing your Rhythm
Alternating your rhythm looks good, e.g. twirling behind your head for two beats and then in front for two and so on.
Giant Butterfly
You can create large circles with the butterfly by straightening your arms and letting momentum pull the chains away from your body. Swapping between the this and the basic butterfly creates a good contrast.
One-Hand Butterfly (The Cage)
where both chains are swung by one hand. I find it most controllable with one chain on my little finger and the other on my thumb.
Split Time Butterfly
Another cool trick is to throw in a bit of butterfly using split time (basic move #5), as this creates a strobe-like effect.
High and Low
Go high then low - do the butterfly over your head, bring it back in front, then switch behind at waist height before returning to the front again.
Connecting with the two-handed cross-over can be achieved when the chains are behind your back. From the position of twirling behind your back, you can move into the the two-handed cross-over position where the chains are on the opposite sides (where both your chains would be if you'd performed a two-handed cross-over).
Alternate Butterfly
The alternate butterfly is a little bit more tricky than the overhead butterfly and can require a little bit more attention to your co-ordination as your chains are not moving together. It involves switching the chains from front to back, using a cross-over alternately with the left and then the right hand.
Starting position:
Twirling in time, forwards and in front.
To perform:
Twirl the chains in the starting position. Choose a hand. When that hand reaches the top of its circle, cross only that hand over behind your back, with the second hand remaining twirling in front of you. Allow the chosen hand to perform a circle behind your back, and as it reaches the top again, bring it back in front of you. Then do the same with your other hand. To do this continuously, the second hand goes behind your back at the same time as the first hand returns to the front. This will create an non-stop switching effect.
Variations:
Mixing
You can mix and match between the overhead butterfly and the alternate butterfly for a pretty cool effect.
Changing your Rhythm
Again, alternating your rhythm looks good, e.g. twirling one chain behind your head and one in front for two beats, and then swapping their positions.
The Butterfly
[ Back
Home
|
Moves Page ]
|