36. Step Back and Thread Palm

(1) Shift the weight backward to the left leg, toes of the right foot raised, and turn the upper body to the left. Move the left palm to the left and backward in an arc until it comes to the left side of the waist, palm down. Turn the right forearm outward and drop the right palm to the front of the body, palm oblique up to the left. Look at the right palm. (Fig. 203)

(2) Raise the right foot and move it backward (due west) past the inner side of the left foot and bend the left leg to form the left bow step. Press the right palm downward to under the left elbow. Turn the left palm upward, move it to the waist and thread it forward over the right forearm to eye level. Look at the left palm. (Fig. 204)

Points for attention: Sit back fully when shifting the weight to the rear leg, withdraw the foot gently and retreat steadily. The movements of the upper and lower limbs should be coordinated, but the hand movements should not be too quick.