Salsa Dancing

Notes I made when learning salsa dancing (as leader). As my salsa dancing skills progressed, I stopped using pre-choreographed patterns shown in this document and instead being improvising using basic moves which compose these patterns. However, I still think that memorizing pre-choreographed patterns is necessary for beginning leaders. In case it is not obvious, it is next to impossible to learn to dance from reading. This document should be used in conjunction with attending group classes and watching expert dancers.

Concept 1: Terminology

First measure of 8 beat musical phrase is labeled "1,2,3" and second measure "5,6,7".
"Closed position" is leader and follower facing one another with left and right feet together.
"Closing feet" mean bringing left and right feet together and side by side.
As in all social dancing, "leader" normally means man and "follower" normally means woman.
Turns are assumed to be follower turns. Leader turns are explicitly noted as such.
Leader turns are explictly described by direction of turn. Thus "leader's right turn" or "leader's left turn".
Follower turns are described as "outside" or "inside". "Outside" turn is right turn of follower. "Inside" turn is left turn of follower. "Outside" and "inside" are used instead of "right" and "left" to avoid confusion, since follower's right turn (outside turn) is to leader's left.

Concept 2: Holds

"Closed hold" and "open hold" are standard terms. Open hold is any hold that is not closed. Other terms below are non-standard but used in this document distinguish various types of open holds.

Closed hold: Standard ballroom dance hold: leader cups follower's left shoulder blade with his right hand (or else places his right forearm against follower's back, if couple is dancing very close together), and holds her right hand with his left hand, with his left arm bent at right angle. Standard dance etiquette says that follower decides how close to get to leader when dancing in closed hold. Follower indicates her preferred distance in subtle but unmistakeable way, such as by pushing against leader when she feels he is coming too close. Leader then maintains distance set by follower. (Some women I've spoken to say they prefer it when the man forces them close, presumably because this indicates the man finds them attractive. However, a leader who forces a woman close when she doesn't want to be forced close is likely to cause offense. Don't say I didn't warn you!)
Double open hold: Leader holds follower's left hand in his right hand, and her right hand in his left hand.
Crossed hold: Leader holds follower's left hand in his left hand, and her right hand in his right hand. When starting a pattern in crossed hold, right hands should be on top, in general, so as to allow an outside turn of follower.
Doubly crossed hold: Hold that results after outside turn using double hold. Same hand hold as double open hold, except arms are intertwined. Looks and feels clumsy to simply release hands to get out of this hold. Instead, perform another turn (either of leader or follower) in order to untwist.
Single hold: Leader holds either of follower's hands in either of his hands. Most common combinations are his left to her right and his right to her right. Latter is the "crossed single hold".
Underarm hold: Starting in double open hold, leader bends his elbows so as to bring follower's hands to his shoulders, then tucks elbows inside and then over follower's arms, then brings his arms down, so that follower's arms are trapped between his upper arm and ribcage (closer to elbow rather than directly in armpit). Alternative to double open hold and can be used to add some extra style when dancing series of basics or sideways basics.
Freestyle: No hand hold between leader and follower. They can each do whatever they want, such as show off fancy footwork (sometimes called "shines").

Concept 3: Basic salsa dance step and variations

Salsa music has regular tempo, and is normally counted as 4 quarter notes or beats per musical measure (4/4 rhythm). If beats are numbered 1 to 4, then even beats (2 and 4) are stressed. Measures grouped into phrases of 2 measures or 8 beats. At tempo of 160 beats per minute, phrase lasts 3 seconds. Phrase boundaries are easy to distinguish because vocalists and melody instruments seem to pause and change key between phrases. Also, most rhythms in typical salsa song repeat over interval of phrase rather than measure. Good collection of salsa dance music suitable for dancing is Salsa Fresca - Dance Hits of the '90s, by various artists, on Rhino label.

"Forward basic" dance step is:

Step	Leader	Follower
1	Step forward on left foot (break)	(same as leader's step 5)
2	Rock back onto right foot (rock)	(same as leader's step 6)
3	Bring left foot back (close), without weight transfer	(same as leader's step 7)
and	Transfer weight onto left foot (hold)	Hold on right foot
5	Step back on right foot (break)	(same as leader's step 1)
6	Rock forward onto left foot (rock)	(same as leader's step 2)
7	Bring right foot forward (close), without weight transfer	(same as leader's step 3)
and	Transfer weight onto right foot (hold)	Hold on left foot

Some dancers reverse leader's and follower's steps in above table. That is, leader steps back on step 1 and forward on step 5. Since leader's and follower's steps are mirror images of one another, this makes no difference.

Note that first break step occurs on beat 2 of phrase, and not beat 1. This is because of stress on even beats. There are times during many salsa songs when rhythm stops but melody continues, in which case remember to pause a beat at start of phrase: hold beat 1, break on beat 2. If you don't do this, then when rhythm resumes, break will be non-stressed beats, which probably won't feel right.

Beginning dancers often have difficulty following salsa beat. Partly, this is because they tend to waver between breaking on beat 1 (following melody) and breaking on beat 2 (following rhythm) and eventually lose beat entirely. Some dancers think they are breaking on beat 1, when in fact they are breaking on beat 2, because they wrongly assume that first heavily stressed beat must be beat 1. If you are certain that you are breaking on beat 1 (non-stressed beat), and this feels right, then by all means continue to dance this way. It is more important to always break on the same beat, than to break on any particular beat. Leaders choose which beat they want to break on, whereas followers must do whatever their leader does.

[Some people insist that stressed beats in salsa music are 1 and 3, rather than 2 and 4 as is stated above. I am not enough of a musician to settle this question authoritatively. What everyone agrees on is that break step in salsa dancing should be on the first stressed beat, regardless of what number is assigned to that beat. One reason dance teachers distinguish dance step counts from music beat counts is precisely to avoid arguments with musicians about numbering.]

"In-place basic" is basic in which break steps are either very small or in-place.

"Sideways basic" is basic in which break steps are to left and right instead of forward and backward:

"Backwards basic" is basic in which break with left foot is backwards instead of forwards. That is, leader steps back on left foot on step 1 and follower steps back on left foot on step 5. Backwards basic is normally performed in double open hold.

"Backwards basic with leg styling" is performed as follows. Leader gives vigorous push on break steps (1 and 5). On same step, leader and follower make sharp step backwards while bending knee of free leg (right leg is free for leader on step 1, and so forth) so that heel lifts but toe remains touching floor. Rock and close steps are same as for standard basic.

"Whiplash" is similar to "backwards basic with leg styling", except that spine is bent backwards and head thrown back on break step. Whiplash is normally only done by follower.

Other variations:

Perform close after forward break in single beat of music (instead of spreading over 2 beats), then kick right foot forwards before breaking backwards.
Add occasional additional thrust of pelvis, somewhat offset from normal motions caused by leg movements.
Instead of bringing feet into side by side position during close step, cross right foot in front of left.
Instead of stepping to left or right during sideways basic, just point left or right leg to side and hold for entire measure. Pointing leg should be straight, with toe touching floor and heel lifted.

Concept 3a: Irregular step counts

Patterns discussed in this document assume 3 dance steps per 4 beats of music, breaking on beat 2, as described in previous section. Also possible to dance 5, 7 or 9 steps per 8 beats. Some patterns described in this document may not work when dancing irregular step counts. Because irregular step counts add complexity to basic step, reduced need for complex dance patterns to provide variety.

Concept 4: General dance tips

Torso should remain upright while dancing. In particular, try to avoid upper body rocking movements of swing or foxtrot dancing.
Be sure to fully transfer weight forwards or backwards on break steps: don't just stretch foot out.
Lean slightly forwards so that weight on front of feet. Some moves (such as dips) may require leaning backwards, but other than these special cases, leaning slightly forwards should be normal posture for both leader and follower.
Hip movement of salsa dancers (sometimes called "Cuban hip motion") is consequence of proper legwork, and not movement in its own right. Do not force movement in hips. Hip movement will normally be greater in women than men, due to comparatively wider pelvis in women.
When in closed hold, do not pump arm (leader's left arm, follower's right arm) up and down excessively.
Keep feet pointed slightly outward, especially left foot on forward break. Avoid "pigeon-toeing" look, with toes pointing inward.
Keep legs close together in passing. Avoid "bow-legged" look, with thighs and knees spread wide.
Always step first onto ball of foot, then lower heel, regardless of direction. Never step heel-first.
Keep feet close to floor. Lifting them high is ungainly looking--like horse stomping around. Keeping feet close to floor also reduces chances of kicking or stepping on feet of other dancers.
Fast music, small steps, slow music, large steps.
When performing basic alone, try to move around, turning slightly to right or left each phrase, instead of just moving back and forth like robot on a track.
Don't grip partner tightly. Be especially careful about thumbs: it doesn't take much force for thumb pressing against back of hand to feel uncomfortable. This applies to both leaders and followers.
Especially in closed and double open holds, arms should be slightly tensed (no "spaghetti arms") with pressure between partners. Slight pressure feels good (at least to experienced dancers), looks good to observers, and makes it possible to perform moves that would be impossible otherwise. During complex turns, dancers should relax arms to let them move freely.
Leaders should be careful to alternate between leading outside and inside turns, since too many turns in succession in single direction will make follower dizzy.
Look at partner's face while dancing (except during turns, of course), and not at other dancers or towards ceiling or floor or out into space. It's okay not to smile constantly, but at least try to smile occasionally.
Follower should carry most of her own weight and provide most of her own turning power.

Concept 5: Open break

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Backwards basic, moving from closed hold to open hold during backwards break.	Basic

Open break is commonly taught as exit from closed hold in preparation for turn. More graceful exit would be cross-body lead followed by cross-over step to right for leader while follower does normal backward basic (leader must relax his arm during this cross-over so as not to lead follower). Advantages of second approach is more motion, dancers stay closer together, no need for arm tension in follower (many beginning followers don't give such tension).

Concept 6: Opening out break (also known as 5th position breaks or whisks)

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Bring left foot back and to right, placing left foot slightly behind right, while twisting to left, then rock onto right foot, then bring left foot forward to closed position.	(same as leader 5,6,7)
5,6,7	Bring right foot back and to left, placing right foot slightly behind left foot, while twisting to right, then rock onto left foot, then bring right foot forward to closed position.	(same as leader 1,2,3)

Term "5th position" is from classical ballet. Term "whisk" is from ballroom dancing.

Opening out can be exaggerated as follows:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Opening out break, twisting to left more than normal, releasing left hand and catching follower at waist with right arm.	Opening out break.
5,6,7	Opening out break, twisting to right more than normal, releasing right hand and catching follower at waist with left arm.	Opening out break.

Concept 7: Cross-over breaks and throwout turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Diagonally forward and to right on left foot (crossing over right foot), turning slightly to right, then rock onto right foot, then bring left foot back to closed position.	(same as leader 5,6,7)
5,6,7	Diagonally forward and to left on right foot (crossing over left foot), turning slightly to left, then rock onto left foot, then bring right foot back to closed position.	(same as leader 1,2,3)

Will normally need to be in open hold of some sort to perform cross-over breaks.

Can perform left and right components of cross-over break in any order, mixed up with other patterns.

Series of cross-over breaks can be concluded by throwout turn. For example::

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cross-over break	Cross-over break
5,6,7	Begin cross-over break to left, but then give push with right arm and release, thus "throwing" follower into free outside turn, while simultaneously performing leader left turn.	Free outside turn (to right)

Concept 8: Swivels and cross-over swivels

Swivels are performed in double open hold. There must be strong pressure between leader and follower to make swivels work. Leader can swivel with follower, or he can remain stationary.

To swivel to left, twist hips to left, transfer weight to left foot, then bend right leg at knee and cross right knee over left knee. Similarly for swivel to right.

3 swivels per measure:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1	Push with left arm and pull with right. Swivel to left.	Push against leaders hands. Swivel to right.
2	Push with right arm and pull with left. Swivel to right.	Push against leaders hands. Swivel to left.
3	Same as step 1, except with pause after ("slow" count instead of "quick").
5	Same as step 2.
6	Same as step 1.
7	Same as step 2, except with pause after ("slow" count instead of "quick").

2 swivels per measure:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1	Push with left arm and pull with right. Swivel to left.	Push against leaders hands. Swivel to right.
2	Push with right arm and pull with left. Swivel to right.	Push against leaders hands. Swivel to left.
(repeat above 2 steps for next musical measure)

In cross-over swivels, swivel to right and step with left leg crossing over right leg, then swivel to left and step with right leg crossing over left leg. Cross-over swivels are normally performed at rate of 2 swivels per measure.

Typical exit from swivels is for leader to give vigorous push with both hands on step 1, so that both leader and follower perform backwards basic with leg styling (alternatively, follower can perform a whiplash).

Concept 9: Overhead hand sweep

While in double open hold, leader ensures there is strong arm pressure between himself and follower, then steps forward (on either measure) and raises arms until they are extended straight up. He then sweeps arms down in quarter circle, keeping them straight, with left arm sweeping down to left and right arm sweeping down to right. This move will not work very well if leader is much taller than follower. Good followup to overhead hand sweep is series of cross-over breaks. Example:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Backwards basic	Backwards basic
5,6,7	Backwards basic	Backwards basic
1,2,3	Forward basic, lifting arms up and then sweeping them down	Basic
5,6,7	Cross-over break to left	Cross-over break
1,2,3	Cross-over break to right	Cross-over break
5,6,7	Basic, turning follower	Outside turn (to right)

Concept 10: Cross-body lead

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Forward on left foot, rock onto right foot, then turn quarter turn to left and step to left on left foot.	Basic
5,6,7	Step slightly back on right foot, then turn quarter turn to left and step forward on left foot, then bring right foot forward to closed position	Forward on left foot, then turn half turn to left and step back on right foot, then bring left foot back to closed position.

Experienced followers will snap turn on step 5. Beginners will seem to stumble through it.

Variation on cross-body lead is the "slide":

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Same as for standard-cross body lead.	Basic
5,6,7	Step left on right leg, crossing in front of left leg. Then step left on left leg, then bring right foot closed.	Forward on left foot, then quarter turn to left and step sideways on right foot, then bring left foot closed.

Concept 11: Cuddle position (also known as "sweetheart" or "side-by-side" position)

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3 and/or 5,6,7	Start in double open hold and maintain double hold throughout (leader's left hand holds follower's right, etc.). Step forward and then turn to right a half-turn, or less than half-turn if follower is also turning. Lift left arm over follower's head, then lower hands to waist level. Optionally cause follower to perform partial inside turn.	Basic or partial inside turn (to left)

Entering cuddle can take either 1 or 2 measures to complete. Leader may end up on follower's left or right. When walking in circle while in cuddle position, axis of rotation is space between the dancers. That is, both leader and follower should be walking in circle.

Also possible to cuddle leader. For example:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break to double open hold.	Basic
5,6,7	Half turn to right, lifting left arm over leader's head and bringing it down when half-turn complete.	In-place basic.
1,2,3	Sideways basic	Sideways basic
5,6,7	Release both arms and perform half turn to right. Resume closed hold at conclusion of half-turn.	In-place basic

Concept 12: Change places

While in single hand hold, leader and follower change places, possibly performing some turns and/or fancy footwork while doing so. Changing places is especially useful when leader has somehow gotten off beat, because it can be performed in less than full measure if necessary, and because there is no need to synchronize footwork since only single loose hand hold.

Concept 13: Haircombing and related arm techniques

For follower haircomb, leader brings either of follower's hands over her head with his hand, as if combing her hair, then releases. Beginning followers often misunderstand haircombing, and try to perform a turn of some sort. Haircombing allows a graceful return to closed hold. Leader haircomb is similar, except leader brings follower's hand over his head. It is also possible for either leader or follower to comb themselves, using free hand, to add some "pizazz" to their dancing.

Double haircomb can be exit from double open hold. While performing basic, leader loops his left hand over his head and his right hand over follower's head (so that his right hand touches her right shoulder). Partners then pull apart, letting their right hands slide down other partner's right arm. Typical followup would be a change places.

As return to closed hold from double open hold, leader can bring his right hand to his right shoulder on step 1 of forward basic, thus placing follower's left hand there. He then slips his right hand behind follower's back and continues with remainder of basic move, or perhaps with cross-body lead.

Concept 14: Outside and inside turns

Outside turn is right turn of follower. Inside turn is left turn of follower. Terms "outside" and "inside" are used instead of "right" and "left" to avoid confusion, since follower's right turn (outside turn) is to leader's left.

Outside turn:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower	Outside turn (to right)

Inside turn:

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then pull follower into inside turn, changing places as she moves forward, lifting arms over her head.	Back on right foot, then inside turn (to left).
5,6,7	Optionally turn follower again.	Basic, or another inside turn (to left).

Concept 15: Dips and aerials

Safest and simplest dip is partial dip. Using right hand to right hand single crossed hold, pull follower into inside turn. As she turns, release hand hold and reach around and hug her closely: leader's right hand placed behind follower's back, his left hand on her right shoulder, leader's and follower's bodies pressed tightly together. Leader then twists to left, steps to left on left foot, and bends left knee so he leans slightly to left. This causes follower to twist and lean back. Follower's feet remain on ground. If lean is only slight, then leader will only have to bear small percentage of follower's weight with his upper body, and most of her weight will still be carried through her legs or pressing down against his right hip. Follower can add some style to this simple dip by lifting and bending her left leg and wrapping it around leader's hips. This won't add to weight leader has to bear, since her right leg will still be planted firmly on ground.

Concept 16: Dancing in crowded conditions

When dance floor is crowded (normal condition in popular nightclubs) turns can be unsafe and therefore leader should be careful about leading them. Turns are unsafe because follower who is turning may get hit in the face by elbow or head of someone else who is turning. Whereas, if she is not turning, only place she is likely to be hit is back of her ankles, back of her torso and back of her head, and being hit in these places is unlikely to lead to serious injury (though having ankles stepped on can be quite painful). Restriction on turns rules out most patterns. Following simple moves are still possible, however:

Basic
Sideways basic
Backwards basic with leg styling
Opening out
Cross-over breaks
Swivels
Overhead hand sweep
Cross-body lead (without turns)

Concept 17: Hook turn and double free spin

Leader's hook turn to right:

Steps	Leader
5	Bring right foot behind left, and spin on right foot.
6	Stop spin with left foot.
7	Transfer weight to right foot.

Leader's double free spin to right:

Steps	Leader
5	Step slightly to right on right foot.
6	Rock onto left foot and twist to left, with arms thrown back to left.
7	Twist quickly to right, transferring weight to right foot, swinging arms around and then bring them close to body to add to turning momentum. Perform full spin on this step.
1	Transfer weight to left foot momentarily for balance. Twist right foot so it points diagonally to right and back.
2	Transfer weight to right foot and perform another full turn.
3	Lift arms and transfer weight to left foot to stop spin. Left foot may be extended slightly to left to aid in balancing and stopping.
5,6,7	Basic (break back on right, etc)

Spinning steps should be performed as smoothly as possible. For follower, spin would occur on steps 3,5,6,7 instead of 7,1,2,3.

To avoid dizziness while spinning, look at partner for as long as possible, then snap head around and look at again from other direction.

Bringing arms close to body while spinning improves balance and adds turning momentum.

Pattern 1: Cross-body with leader right turn and hand pass, checked outside turn, inside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cross-body	Basic
5,6,7	Cross-body, with right turn and hand pass behind back (so leader's right hand holds follower's right hand)	Cross-body
1,2,3	Sideways basic, lead follower into partial outside turn then check turn, by pulling her back to closed position.	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, while turning follower	Inside turn (to left)

Pattern 2: Cross-body with inside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cross-body	Basic
5,6,7	Cross-body, except lead follower to perform extra inside turn. Follower may have difficulty completing turn in time. Leader can assist by circling follower in clockwise direction, going against direction of her turning and thus reducing distance she has to travel.	Cross-body with extra inside turn (to left)

Pattern 3: Cross-body with free inside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cross-body	Basic
5,6,7	Lead follower into cross-body, then grab her right shoulder with left arm and lead her to perform full turn, releasing hold as she turns. Variation is to push follower with left arm on steps 1-3, then extend leader's right hand across leader's body to left on step 4. These two movements give follower turning momentum. On step 5, pull leader's right hand back and to right, throwing follower into free inside turn. Another variation is to spin follower using leader's hands on her waist instead of on her shoulder.	Cross-body, with inside turn (to left)
1,2,3	Free-style (or perform leader's right turn)	Continue turning
5,6,7	Free-style	Free-style

Pattern 4: Crossed-hold cross-body to cuddle, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cross-body, with firm right hand to right hand single hold	Basic
5,6,7	Cross-body, spinning follower into cuddle, leader to left of follower, her right hand on her right shoulder and holding her right hand. Check follower's turn with left hand	Cross-body, then extra 1/2 turn to left
1,2,3	Basic. Gently push follower forward on step 3 with left arm, to initiate outside turn	Basic (forward with right foot on step 1)
5,6,7	Sidestep to right, turning follower with right hand and performing 1/4 leader left turn	1 and 1/4 outside turns (to right)

Pattern 5: Crossed-hold cross-body, multiple inside turns, leader haircomb

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cross-body, with firm right hand to right hand single hold	Basic
5,6,7	Cross-body, leading follower to continue turning to left, while starting leader left turn	Cross-body, then continue turning to left
1,2,3	Turn to left, circling follower counter-clockwise, and continuing to turn her	Inside turn (to left)
5,6,7	Turn to left, circling follower counter-clockwise, and continuing to turn her. Conclude with leader haircomb	Inside turn (to left)

Pattern 6: Checked inside turn (Peek-a-boo)

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then pull follower into inside turn. Single hand hold: leader's left or right to follower's right.	Back on right foot, then half of inside turn (to left)
5,6,7	Forward on right foot, checking follower's turn with free arm, then step back and lead follower to return to closed position	Turn back to right

Pattern 7: Multiple checked inside turns

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then pull follower into inside turn, using single hand hold: leader's left or right to follower's right. Release hold as follower completes turn.	Back on right foot, then half of inside turn (to left)
5,6,7	In-place basic. Check follower's turn with right arm, then gently push to cause her to reverse turn.	Half turn back to right
1,2,3	In-place basic. Check follower's turn with left arm, then gently push to cause her to turn again	Half turn back to left
(the above 2 measures can be repeated)
5,6,7	In-place basic. Check follower's turn with right arm, then gently push to cause her to reverse turn. When she returns to closed position, take hold of her right arm and lead her into changes places with inside turn or some other pattern.	Half turn back to right

Flashy enhancement to multiple checked inside turns. On step 3, leader dips deeply to left, bending left leg and keeping right leg straight. On step 4, he checks followers turn by using his hand against her thigh. On steps 5 and 6 he raises himself and optionally performs some sort of turn or spin as followup.

Pattern 8: Hammerlock checked inside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break into double open hold, then pull follower into inside turn, lifting right arm (follower's left arm) and depressing and twisting left arm (follower's right arm) so it bends behind follower's back in hammerlock hold. Be careful to keep follower's bent arm low, otherwise may cause pain and injury to her shoulder.	Back on right foot, then half of inside turn (to left).
5,6,7	Forward on right foot, checking follower's turn, then step back and lead follower to return to closed position	Turn back to right

Pattern 9: Checked inside turn to wrap

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break into single crossed hold (leader's right to follower's right). Pull follower into inside turn, depressing and twisting arm so that it bends behind follower's back in hammerlock hold. Be careful to keep follower's bent arm low, otherwise may cause pain and injury to her shoulder.	Back on right foot, then half of inside turn (to left).
5,6,7	Forward on right foot, checking follower's turn, then step back and lead follower to return to closed position	Turn back to right

Pattern 10: Checked inside turn to neck wrap

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break into single crossed hold (leader's right to follower's right). Pull follower into inside turn, lifting arm to neck level so that follower's neck presses against leader's forearm.	Back on right foot, then half of inside turn (to left).
5,6,7	Forward on right foot, checking follower's turn, then step back and lead follower to return to closed position.	Turn back to right

Pattern 11: Change places with double inside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then pull follower into inside turn. Single hand hold: leader's left or right to follower's right.	Back on right foot, then inside turn (to left)
5,6,7	Change places with follower as she continues turning	Another inside turn (to left)

Can precede double inside turn by one or more peek-a-boos, to give follower some turning momentum.

Pattern 12: Change places with inside turn, change places, outside turn with change places

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then pull follower forward into inside turn while stepping forward so as to change places	Inside turn (to left) and change places
5,6,7	Switch hands (right to right hold), then step forward, turning to left	Basic
1,2,3	Change places, lifting follower's hand over leader's head	Change places
5,6,7	Turn follower, while changing places, so that she performs 1 and 1/2 turns	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 13: Inside turn to neck wrap, leader haircomb while walking to step 3, free outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break to single hold (right hand to right hand), then pull follower forward into inside turn, lifting right hand so leader's right forearm rests against back of follower's neck, check her turn by grabbing her right elbow (which is sticking out towards leader) with left hand	Back on right foot, then half inside turn (to left)
5,6,7	Walk forward	Walk backward
1,2,3	Continue walking, lift right arm from behind follower's head, move it behind leader's, while maintaining hold on follower's right elbow.	Walk backward
5,6,7	Gently but firmly push follower's right arm down and to leader's left, causing her to turn (if follower's arm pushed up, she may hit other dancers in face).	Free outside turn (to right)

Follower's arm must be relaxed in order for leader to have time to grab her elbow before she turns again.

Pattern 14: Crossed hold outside turn to cuddle, sidestep, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter crossed hold (right over left)	Basic
5,6,7	While maintaining both hand holds, lift right arm and turn follower, so that she passes under raised right arm as she turns. End result is that follower is standing to left of leader, in side-by-side cuddle hold, with leader's left arm behind her back and his right arm across his front	1/2 outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Sidestep to left, so follower is to right of leader, while maintaining both right and left hand holds	Basic
5,6,7	Release left hand, sidestep to right, turn follower with right hand	1 and 1/2 outside turns (to right)

To make 1 and 1/2 outside turns easier, release left hand on step 2 and use it to gently push follower forward on step 3, so she starts the outside turn early.

Pattern 15: Crossed hold outside turn, leader left turn, outside turn, haircomb, free outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter crossed hold (right over left)	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower with both hands	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Turn to left (half turn and change places, or full turn and no change places), maintaining double hand hold so that hands will be crossed with right over left	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower with both hands	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Basic, with follower haircomb using right hand (her left hand will be caught in the crook of her bending right elbow as haircomb begins)	Basic
5,6,7	Using hands on follower's elbows, turn her	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 16: Double hold outside turn, change places, cuddle, sidestep, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter double open hold	Basic
5,6,7	Turn follower, maintaining double hand hold, which is now crossed	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Step forward, turning to left, thus changing places with follower, maintaining double hand hold, which becomes uncrossed	Change places
5,6,7	Enter cuddle with leader on right side of follower	Basic
1,2,3	Step to left side of follower, maintaining cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Release left hand and turn follower with right arm	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 17: Double hold outside turn, leader right turn under follower's hands, leader haircomb

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break into double open hold	Basic
5,6,7	Turn follower with both hands. During turn, bring both of followers hands together and held by leader's right hand	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Lift follower's hand and make right turn underneath.	Basic
5,6,7	Basic, while bringing follower's hands over leader's head (leader haircomb)	Basic

Pattern 18: Outside turn to neck wrap cuddle, sidestep to choke hold, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break	Basic
5,6,7	Push follower with left arm into outside turn, but keep arm down at neck level so she turns into neck wrap. Perform half turn to right to enter cuddle, with leader to right of follower. Leader will be holding follower's right hand against her left shoulder.	Outside turn (to right) into neck wrap
1,2,3	Sidestep behind followers back, switch hands so that leader's right arm in front of follower and holding her right hand, which continues to rest on her left shoulder (almost like choke hold)	In-place basic
5,6,7	Turn follower. To reduce amount she has to turn, use left arm to gently push her on step 3 of preceding measure and then sidestep to right and turn quarter turn to left	1 and 1/2 outside turns (to right)

Pattern 19: Outside turn, follower circles leader, free outside turn led by hip touch

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Lift right arm over follower's right arm (which is held by leader's left arm), then use it as lever to cause her to continue circling	Walk forward behind leader
5,6,7	Use left hand against follower's left hip to lead her into outside turn	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 20: Outside turn, follower circles leader with hand on neck, free outside turn, leader left turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower using leader's left arm and her right arm. On step 6, use her stiff right arm as lever to pull her forward, with leader's right hand against her right elbow.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Step forward, then back, making room for follower to circle leader. Hold onto follower's right hand with leader's right hand, so that it stays against leader's neck. On step 3, take hold of follower's right wrist with leader's left hand, in preparation for turning her.	Circle leader, keeping right hand against his neck.
(choose one of following options)
5,6,7	Gently but firmly push follower's arm down (if push up, she may hit other dancers in face) and to left, causing her to turn. Perform leader left turn	Free outside turn (to right)
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 21: Outside turn with leader haircomb, follower circles leader, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, to double open hold	Basic
5,6,7	Release hold with right hand and turn follower with left arm. On step 6, lower left arm behind leader's head, so that follower's hand (which is being held by leader's left hand) is behind leader's head. This is leader haircomb. Put leader's right hand behind follower's shoulder or back, in preparation for leading her to circle leader.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Guide follower to circle leader, by pulling with leader's left arm and using leader's right arm behind follower's back as lever. Do not release hold with left hand. Step to side on left on step 1, then forward on right, then backwards and to side on left, making room for follower to circle leader. If follower hasn't completed circling by step 3, then it may be necessary to compensate by partial leader left turn so as to face her on step 3.	Walk forward in circle around leader.
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower with left arm.	Outside turn (to right).

Pattern 22: Hammerlock outside turn, sidestep back to back, leader duck, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter open double hold	Basic
5,6,7	Lift left arm and turn follower, while depressing and twisting right arm, so that it bends behind follower's back. Be sure to keep right arm low, or may cause pain and injury to follower's shoulder. On step 3, step forward under left arm, which should still be raised.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Sidestep to right behind follower (leader's back against follower's back). On step 3, step backwards, lifting right arm and ducking under.	Basic
5,6,7	Lift right arm and turn follower, maintaining double hand hold.	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 23: Hammerlock outside turn, free outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter double open hold	Basic
5,6,7	Lift left arm and turn follower, while depressing and twisting right arm, so that it bends behind follower's back. Be sure to keep right arm low, or may cause pain and injury to follower's shoulder.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Basic (stepping forward on left on step 1). Release left arm and grab hold of follower's right shoulder. On step 3, pull her left arm with leader's right hand and push her right shoulder with leader's left hand to prepare follower for turn.	Basic.
5,6,7	Lead follower into free outside turn, by pulling her shoulder and arm, then releasing both hands. Be gentle with follower's arm!	Free outside turn or spin

Pattern 24: Crossed hold outside turn, shoulder wrap cuddle, walk backwards to step 3, free outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter crossed hold (right over left)	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower with both hands. Bring follower's right arm (held by leader's right arm) over leader's left shoulder, while holding her left hand (held by leader's left hand) against her left shoulder. End in side by side cuddle position.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Walk backward, then step to side, ending up facing follower. Put leader's right hand on follower's left shoulder	Basic then forward and turn to left
5,6,7	In-place basic, leading follower with hands into free outside turn	Free outside turn (to right)

Pattern 25: Crossed hold outside turn, shoulder wrap cuddle, follower circles leader, free outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter crossed hold (right over left)	Basic
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower with both hands. Bring follower's right arm (held by leader's right arm) over leader's left shoulder, while holding her left hand (held by leader's left hand) against her left shoulder. End in side by side cuddle position.	Outside turn (to right)
1,2,3	Lift right arm over follower's right arm (held by leader's left arm) and behind her back and use it as lever to cause her to walk around leader	Walk forward behind leader
5,6,7	Use left hand against follower's left hip to lead her into outside turn. Alternatively, gently but firmly push follower's arm down (if push up, she may hit other dancers in face) and to left, causing her to turn. Optionally perform leader left turn.	Free outside turn (to right)

Pattern 26: Cuddle, sidestep, uncuddle

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Sidestep to right, passing behind follower	Basic
1,2,3	Sidestep to left, passing behind follower	Basic
5,6,7	Uncuddle	Basic

Pattern 27: Cuddle, cuddle leader (Figure 8)

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then pull follower into inside turn and change places, lifting left arm over follower and releasing right arm as she passes	Back on right foot, then change places with inside turn
5,6,7	Back on right foot, then grab follower's left hand with leader's right hand and pull her so she passes behind leader, lifting right arm so leader can pass under, perform half turn to left, release left arm at conclusion of turn	Back on left foot, then forward and half turn to right, passing behind leader
(repeat above 2 measures then perform another cuddle pattern)

Pattern 28: Cuddle, hammerlock outside turn, cuddle

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Lift left arm and lead follower to turn to right into hammerlock. Sidestep to right and perform quarter turn to left, to reduce amount she has to turn.	1 and 1/4 outside turns (to right)
1,2,3	Turn follower back into cuddle. Sidestep to left and perform quarter turn to right, to reduce amount she has to turn.	1 and 1/4 inside turns (to left)

Pattern 29: Cuddle, step in front, pull follower around, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Step to left while in cuddle, so follower is to leader's right	In-place basic
1,2,3	Release right hand and step in front of follower, ducking under leader's left arm, then pull follower around in front of leader	Walk forward in front of leader
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 30: Cuddle, walk to step 3, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Walk forward in circle	In-place basic
1,2,3	"	"
5,6,7	Release left hand, sidestep to right, turn follower with right hand. To reduce amount follower has to turn, release left hand and gently push her on step 3 of previous measure, then sidestep to right and perform quarter turn to left.	1 and 1/4 outside turns (to right)

Pattern 31: Cuddle, walk to step 3, free outside turn, leader left turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Walk forward in circle	In-place basic
1,2,3	"	"
5,6,7	Release left arm, pull with right arm then release, causing follower to turn or spin, then perform leader left turn.	Free outside turn or spin (to right)

Pattern 32: Cuddle, walk to step 3, pull into wrap, cuddle

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, enter cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Walk forward	Basic
1,2,3	Walk forward. On step 3, release left hand and gently begin to push follower forward.	"
5,6,7	Pull with right hand, causing follower to turn into wrap. Sidestep to right and perform quarter turn to left, to reduce amount she has to turn.	1 and 1/4 outside turns (to right)
1,2,3	Take hold of follower's right hand with leader's left hand, then lift this arm and guide her into inside turn. Sidestep to left and perform quarter turn to right, to reduce amount she has to turn. Result will be to re-enter cuddle position.	1 and 1/4 inside turns (to left)
(continue with one of other cuddle patterns)

Pattern 33: Cuddle, walk to step 3, pull into wrap, pull into free inside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Open break, then cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Walk forward	Basic
1,2,3	"	"
5,6,7	Release left hand, pull with right hand and twist so that follower turns into wrapped position, with her left arm bent behind her back in hammerlock position. Be sure to this keep arm low, or may cause pain and injury to follower's shoulder.	Turn to right (probably 1 and 1/2 turns)
1,2,3	Push then pull with left arm, then release, so that follower goes into free inside turn	One or more free inside turns (to left)
5,6,7	Basic, or whatever is necessary to catch up to follower	"

Pattern 34: Cuddle, walk to step 3, arm lever turn, follower circles leader, outside turn

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Step to left while in cuddle, so follower is to leader's right. Release hold with left hand, put left hand on follower's left shoulder.	Basic
1,2,3	Walk forward in circle. On step 3, gently push follower forward with left arm and lift right arm under follower's right arm, so that she is forced to start turning to right. Use arm as lever to force her to circle leader.	In-place basic, then begin turn to right
5,6,7	Step forward and then back to allow follower to circle leader.	Walk in circle around leader
1,2,3	"	"
5,6,7	Turn follower	Outside turn (to right)

Pattern 35: Cuddle, walk to step 6, follower duck, outside turn, haircomb

Steps	Leader	Follower
1,2,3	Cuddle	Basic
5,6,7	Walk forward, pressing down gently with right arm against follower's back on step 6. Be careful not to bump her.	In-place basic, ducking on step 6
1,2,3	In-place basic. If follower doesn't duck, then just continue walking to next step 3 and perform one of other exits from cuddle.	Duck under leader's arms and step backward
5,6,7	Sideways basic, turning follower with both hands	Outside turn (to right)

Caution: many followers dislike this pattern (they don't like ducking).

At conclusion of pattern, partners will be in double open hold. Possible to return directly to closed position, but more graceful follow-up would be to re-enter cuddle position or perform figure 8.

Pattern 36: Leader cuddle and hook turn to right

Can be used as exit from double open or doubly crossed hold.

Steps	Leader	Follower
5,6,7	Half turn to right, lifting arms and separating them to form loop. Bring loop down over leader's head and body. Release both hands when loop is at mid-chest level and make another half turn to right. There will normally not be enough time to complete this second half turn. However, if done properly, leader's momentum will be such that turn can be completed on next measure.	In-place basic.

Summary list of moves

Forwards basic
Sideways basic
Cross-body lead
Cross-body lead to cuddle
Change places
Backwards basic with leg styling (whiplash for follower)
Overhead hand sweep
Cross-over breaks
Throwout turn
Swivels
Various forms of haircombing
Inside turn
Double inside turn while changing places
Checked inside turn (Peek-a-boo)
Inside turn to neck wrap cuddle
Single hold outside turn
Single hold multiple outside turns
Double hold outside turn
Hammerlock outside turn
Crossed hold outside turn
Outside turn to neck wrap cuddle
Free outside turn led by arm push
Free outside turn led by hip pull
Follower circles leader with hand on his torso
Follower circles leader with hand on his neck
Follower circles leader in double hand hold
Leader lifts arm over follower after outside turn, causing her to circle
Sidestep back to back after hammerlock outside turn
Cuddle
Cuddle leader
Cuddle, cuddle leader (Figure 8)
Sidestep while in cuddle
Sidestep while in leader cuddle
Walk clockwise while in cuddle
Pull into outside turn from cuddle
Pull into hammerlock wrap from cuddle
Pull into free outside turn from cuddle
Step in front from cuddle, pull follower around