From the Africanist standpoint, movement may emanate from
any part of the body, and two or more centers may operate
simultaneously. Polycentrism runs counter to academic
European aesthetics, where the ideal is to initiate movement
from one locus—the nobly lifted, upper center of the aligned
torso, well above the pelvis. Africanist movement is also
polyrhythmic. For example, the feet may maintain one rhythm
while the arms, head and torso dance to different drums.

The late June Laberta, a ballroom dance teacher, was Eddie’s
greatest influence. She taught every ballroom dance in the
book, but her greatest love was mambo. On occasions, June
accompanied Eddie to the Corso where the odd couple danced
up a storm. He was in his twenties, she was in her late fifties.
Creating kooky intricate little moves that come from jazz and
everything that she knew, the lean Laberta would spin like a
top. June’s mentoring was decisive in Eddie’s teaching career.
She said, ‘Eddie I can help you learn the language of teaching’.
She took him to ballrooms on Friday nights.... Thanks to June
Laberta, Eddie’s steps all have names. Today, Eddie’s class
syllabus documenting 180 steps bolsters the traditions of
those old scholars of dance at the ballrooms.