if we're talking animation....I think there are lots of ways to make things work.
Not necesarily redrawing everything, and it's not necesarily having a lot of frames.
What must always be there is timing. actions must show proper anticipation and outcome. To do this, what you need foremost is well planned keyframes.
After you have that, you might improve upon that by either drag & droping certain parts or by redrawing things depending on the singular case.
That is...pretty much my theory.
http://z7.invisionfree.com/Brackenwood/index.php?showtopic=4488&st=0&#last if what you need is tutorial refference this place has a lot.
