SALSA UNDERARM TURN (Basic) Salsa Video

One of the first basic dance patterns to learn in Salsa is the Underarm Turn. It is easy to lead and used often in it's basic form and in any number of variations. It is helpful to think of yourself as standing on a plate, moving off of it and then returning your feet to it.

Gentleman - Footwork - The gentleman begins dancing the Salsa Underarm Turn with his left foot, stepping back (off the plate) on the "1' count, replacing his weight to his right foot on the "2". On "3" he steps forward (or back onto the plate) with his left foot. He then holds for the "4' count. He steps back on his right foot (off the plate) for the "5", replacing his weight to his left foot for the "6" count and brings his right foot back onto the plate for "7" and he holds for "8".

Gentleman - Arm Lead - As the gentleman's left foot comes back on the "1" count, his left hand comes down to the level of the lady's waist, and his right hand is out to the side.

He keeps this hand position for the counts of "2" and "3", and the hold on "4". On "5" the gentleman raises his left hand over his partner's head and keeps it there for the "6." (This is where the lady does her turn.) He lowers his hand on "7" and it is down for the the "hold" on the count of "8".

Lady - Footwork - The lady begins dancing by stepping back on her right foot for the "1" (stepping off the plate). She replaces her weight to her left foot on the "2". On "3" she steps back on the plate with her right foot, and holds for "4". On "5" she steps with her right foot, across her left foot. Putting her weight down on her left foot, she then turns in place to again face her partner. This is called a pivot turn. She replaces her weight to his right foot on the "6" count, steps back onto the plate with her left foot for the "7" and holds for "8".

Lady - Arms - As her right foot steps back on the "1", the lady follows the gentleman's lead to lower her right arm to her waist level. She keeps her left hand out to the side. Her arm positions remain the same for the "2' and "3" and the hold on "4". She then follows the gentleman's lead as he raises her right hand up and over her head. As this is occurring the lady can place her left hand on her hip (one of many arm stylings that can be used.) See Salsa Underarm Turn Video

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