The thing about mayas (also called vertical figure 8s and reverse taxeem) is the shift in weight, and which muscle group is responsible for it.

Mayas begin with your weight balanced on both hips/feet. Then the (Right) leading hip lifts up and slides out while shifting the weight to the other (Left) hip. Then the (Right) leading hip takes all the weight for the body and the right quad/ leg muscles hold it there - what I call "push" or "step". This allows the (Left) following hip to lift up, slide out, and step. Both hips will move in an outward direction, away from the body.

This move is isolated in the obliques or waist muscles until you shift your weight. Then your leg muscles are responsible for holding your place "in space". As you descend, the exact same rule applies - your leg muscles determine how low you can go without breaking the flow/ direction of the move. Just as your leg muscles lift each foot above a stair before stepping onto it, so do your obliques lift your hip above before setting it down again.

The taxeem is very similiar, it moves inward toward the belly button. It begins with your weight balanced on both hips/feet. Then the (Right) leading hip pulls up and in - shifting the weight to the other (Left) hip. Then the (Right) leading hip takes all the weight for the body * it is positioned in the center of the body at that point* and the right quad/ leg muscles hold it there - what I call "push" or "step" . This allows the (Left) following hip to pull up & in, and step. My knees have a tendency to cross or point inward during this step. (It looks very funny in super-slow motion - Kyra thinks it has something to do with potty training).

In both cases, it is the obliques that drive the hip and not your weight setting down on them. Travelling moves have different rules - I'll save those for another day.