48 Form Tai Chi - 44. Turn Body for Lotus Leg Swing
44. Turn Body for Lotus Leg Swing
(1) Turn the upper body to the right, and land the left foot outside the right foot, toes pointing rightward. Open the left hook and turn the palm up and swing it forward horizontally in a curve from the left behind to shoulder level. Turn the right palm over and pull it downward, to the right and backward horizonta1ly with elbow bent. Look straight ahead. (Fig. 229)
(2) Pivot on the balls of both feet, and turn the body to the right backward. Move the left palm slightly inward, turn the right palm over and thread it forward past the chest and under the left elbow, both palms up. The head follows the body’s turn. Look straight ahead. (Fig. 230)
(3) Continue to turn the body to the right to face due south. Move the right palm upward and to the right in an arc after threading from under the left elbow. At the same time, turn the right forearm inward, palm turned to the right and lifted up by the right side of the body at shoulder level. Move the left palm back from the inner side of the right arm to the front of the right shoulder, palm also turned to the right. Look at the right palm. (Fig. 231)
(4) Raise the right foot to swing outward to the left, upward and to the right in the shape of a Chinese fan, instep flat. At the same time, swing the palms from right to left and pat the right instep first with the left palm and then with the right palm. Look at both palms. (Fig. 232)
Points for attention: Land the left foot not too far from the right foot, bend both legs slightly, balls of feet grinding the floor, and turn the body 270 degrees. Do not shake the body. The threading of the palms should be in harmony with the body’s turn. In swinging the foot, raise the right leg and bend the trunk slightly forward. Don’t be nervous. The elderly may not pat the instep.
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