The Figure-of-8
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The figure-of-8 is based upon the two-handed cross-over and it's here that you start performing some of the more advanced moves. The figure-8 is also performed using split time, and so appears visually much different to the two-handed cross-over. It's similar to the chase (aka the weave), but easier to learn. You'll need to use cross-over #1 when twirling forwards and cross-over #2 when twirling backwards.
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How to Make the Moves...
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The Figure-of-8
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Starting position:
Twirling split time either forwards or backwards at your sides.
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There are 4 key positions for performing the figure-8 - these are shown below.
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Diagram 1.
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Begin with the chains spinning at your sides in split time (as an alternative, you can also begin this move through the two-handed cross-over). Feel and watch the chains. Wait until you are in the position shown in diagram 1, with the right-hand chain at the top of its' circle, and the left-hand chain at the bottom.
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Diagram 2.
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When the right-hand chain reaches the top of its circle, you cross that chain down and over in front of your body to the lower left side. The left-hand chain continues its' spin up behind you on the left side.
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Diagram 3.
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The tricky bit is that your left-hand chain is spinning half a turn behind the first and, obviously, reaches the top of its circle a split second after the first. When it does hit the top, you cross your left-hand chain over and down to the right side of your body. The right-hand chain spins up behind you, on your left side.
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Diagram 4.
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The left-hand chain spins up behind you on your right side, whilst the right-hand chain (at the top of its' circle on the left) crosses over and down in front of your body, to your right side.
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Diagram 5.
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The left-hand chain crosses-over and down from the right-hand side to the left, whilst the right-hand chain spins up behind you on your right. You are now back at the starting position - to continue, go back to diagram 2.
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The tricky part here is the rhythm - the first chain leads and the second chain follows a half turn behind it. Once you've mastered performing it and getting back to the starting position, practice so that you don't stop at the starting position and you can create a fluid side-to-side set of circles. Note that this move can also be performed with the chains twirled backwards, and that the directions shown in the images above will be reversed.
Variations:
As the figure-8 is a simplified chase, check that page out for variations associated with it. I didn't list them here as, once you've learnt the chase, you probably won't use this move all that much. The figure-8 does have a use, though, as being aware of the difference between the figure-8 and the chase helps you to learn the circular chase a bit more easily. It's easy to confuse the backwards figure-8 with the backwards chase and confusing the two will really mess up your circular chase.
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