Cross Body Lead
Level: beginnerStyle: laRole: bothType: travel
Also known as: Cross-body Lead, CBL
Summary
Open a lane from open hold and guide the follower across to exchange places.
Description
An On1 cross-body lead from a comfortable open left-to-right handhold. Step on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7; pause without an extra step on 4 and 8. Open the lane before inviting the follower through.
Instructions
Lead
1
Beat 1: Step left forward with weight.
2
Beat 2: Step right slightly back with weight, opening your torso left.
3
Beat 3: Step left out of the lane with weight, facing about a quarter left.
5
Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Beat 5: Step right back with weight as the follower travels past.
7
Beat 6: Step left with weight toward the new facing.
8
Beat 7: Close right with weight, facing the follower at the opposite end.
9
Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
Follow
1
Beat 1: Step right back with weight.
2
Beat 2: Replace weight onto left.
3
Beat 3: Step right underneath you with weight.
5
Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Beat 5: Walk left forward through the clear lane with weight.
7
Beat 6: Step right forward with weight, beginning a counterclockwise half-turn.
8
Beat 7: Step left with weight to finish facing your partner.
9
Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
Lead Direction
Open the lane before inviting travel; keep the hand connection light.
Tips
- Keep your own path clear of the follower feet.
- Practice slowly with small steps and keep your own supporting balance.
Common Mistakes
- Holding fingers tightly so the connection cannot swivel or release.
- Continuing a turn after losing the shared rhythm or your own balance.
