Downbeats - Upbeats - and Syncopations   
S  Skippy Blair  © Original 4-96, Rev. 4-98, 8-03, 4-05, 10-06, 4-07

Downbeats & Upbeats come FIRST in the Stages of Musical Development

Downbeats occur on counts 1, 3, 5, and 7 of an 8-Beat Mini-phrase.  Upbeats occur on counts 2, 4, 6, and 8 of an 8-Beat Mini-phrase.  The Downbeat comes first, followed by the Upbeat.  So what is missing when someone asks: ‘”How do I tell a Downbeat from an Upbeat?”

Sometimes people are listening for a Sound. The Loudness or the Softness of a sound does NOT identify a Downbeat or an Upbeat.  An Accent with a specific instrument on a specific note will NOT allow us to identify a Downbeat or an Upbeat.  I can play one piece of Swing music that accents ALL of the Downbeats for the entire song.  I can play another Swing song that accents only the Upbeats for the entire song. The Downbeats and the Upbeats stay in the same location - every time - regardless of how loudly or softly they are played.

Latin Music, Hustle Music, Two Step Music, Swing and Tango Music are all written in 4/4 time.  They are all made up of  “2-Beat” Dance Rhythms. There are no exceptions.  Some music is more difficult to hear than others, but the “Sets of 8” are there in every piece of 4/4 time music.  Play any piece of 4/4 time dance music.  There is a definite Pulse in the music that lets you know if the music is divided into “2-Beat” increments  or “3-Beat” Increments.  (3-Beat Increments  occur in Waltz, which is written in 3/4 time.)  Play the same music tomorrow and it will NOT CHANGE.  Music stays the same.  Listening to a full set of 8 beats of music helps to give you a point of reference with which to identify Downbeats & Upbeats.  Even if it is difficult at first, the ear will gradually become accustomed to “count” and the day will come when you will be able to identify exactly where you are - in any piece of music.

IMPORTANT: The Dancers actual musical count sounds like it would be more complicated, but actually makes it EASIER to dance.  To achieve a rhythmic feeling in the dance, it is important for the dancer to discover Rolling Count.  The Rolling Count connects the “&”-Count and the “a”-Count, in a way that helps the body create Measured Movement and Body Flight.  This Rolling Count (the “&a”)  comes BEFORE each beat of the music.  Seasoned Musicians refer to this count in several ways:  “Dancers Count” - “Roll the Count” - or simply “Swing it” -  They are not referring to the dance, but to the manner in which the music is played.

People ask if they should study music to become a better dancer.  A music course would certainly be interesting and beneficial, particularly if you want to play an instrument.  However, if your interest is the DANCE, there are better ways to study music for the sake of the dance.  Advanced musicians know all about “Rolling the Count.”  Seasoned musicians also learn to Pulse the dancer’s beat.  Like specialists in ANY field, real Dance Musicians are a rare breed. 

George Griffin, noted Jazz Drummer and vocalist,  talks about the Heartbeat of swing and jazz  music.  QUOTE:  “&a1 &a2”  is what plays in my head!”

 

 Imagine the Dancer as another instrument in the band.  The Dancer’s Sheet Music will match  the Beat of the music, but does not look the same as the sheet music for piano or drums.   Each instrument has it’s own sheet music. Musicians (and dancers) need to know their own part of the music.  The information that keeps the dancer’s instrument (Center Point of Balance) on time, is developing a personal relationship with the Rolling Count.

Dancers move their bodies on the “&” that precedes each beat.  One measure of 4/4 time music contains two separate Dance Rhythms. The Count for those 4 beats of music is: “&a1 &a2 - &a3 &a4”.  The movement of the dancer starts on the “&” count before the beat. The dancer must not be concerned with how long to hold a beat, but must be concerned with the precise time to place the foot. (on the &-Count, on the a-Count, or on the actual beat of the Music).  It is the magic of this Rolling Count that thrills an audience and excites a performer.  Many talented performers are unaware of  how they create their own magic.  Most would be surprised to find that what seems like magic is simply “Rolling Count” and can be learned.

 This one significant discovery helps dancers develop beyond their previous capabilities. The pulsing of the dance in 2-beat increments, allows the dancer to FEEL the separation of the rhythms.  It instills a feeling like the pulsing of a Heartbeat, which connects the dancer to the music.  Many top instructors are now starting new students with these same principals..  Rolling Count raises the level of every dancer.  Those who perform Flickerels in Quick Step or Syncopations in ANY dance, should become familiar with  the following definitions.

Single Rhythm: One step to 2-Beats of music.  The Step is on the Downbeat (Count-1), and does something else on the Upbeat, which is Count-2 of the dance rhythm.

Syncopated Single:  Steps One time, on an “a” Count before Count “1” or before Count ”2.”  (Only 1 step within the framework of  2-Beats of music.)

Important Note:  Without leaving time and space for the &-Count -  the a-Count will not fall in the correct place.  There is NO Time Slot for the a-Count unless you hold (and SAY) the &-Count.  You need to be able to say out loud:: “ &a1 &a2. “

Syncopated Single Rhythm  -   Example:
Kick on Count-1, hold the &-Count. Step on the a-Count and point the free foot on Count-2.  Count out loud: “ &a1 &a2 “   Say: “ & a Kick & Step Point ”

Syncopated Triple Rhythm  -   Example:
Step on the a-Count  before Count-1 -  Kick on Count-1, retract the Kick on the &-Count, Step on the a-Count, and Step again on Count-2.  SAY: “&a1 &a2“   Say:  “& Step Kick & Step-Step ”  OR   “& Step Kick & Step-Cross ”  

Syncopated Double Rhythm  -   Example:
Lift the left knee on the “&a” before Count-1, Kick on Count-1,
retract the Kick on the &-Count, Step on the a-Count, and again on Count-2. 
Count: “ &a1 &a2 “   Say: “ &a Kick & Step-Step ”

Now try this popular move:

First:       Do “ Out – Out – In – In “, while Counting “ 1 & 2 &”

Second: Do “ Out – Out – In – In “, while Counting “ & 1 & 2”  (Better - Yes?)

Third:     Do “ Out – Out – In – In “, while Counting “ &a1 &a2”.  (Even MUCH Better)

            Knee lifts on each  "&"Count. Step twice on “a1” and twice again on “a2”
               The Feeling tells you that the third example is the exciting way to go.

  2007 - Rolling Count continues to be one of the most exciting discoveries of the Century.

Dancers Creed:     "Please don't tell me how long to HOLD the beat  -                                    Just tell me what  the COUNT is -  so I can place my feet"