Salsa MovesLibrary

Cross Body Lead with Free Spin Exit

Level: improverStyle: laRole: bothType: turn
Also known as: CBL with Free Spin Exit

Summary

Finish a cross-body lead, then release a prepared follower right turn on the following phrase.

Cross Body Lead with Free Spin Exit salsa move (la, improver)

Salsa Cross Body Lead Free Spin

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Description

Finish a cross-body lead, then release a prepared follower right turn on the following phrase.

Use On1 timing: six regular weight changes on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 unless an explicitly counted spin recovery, syncopation or held accent is described. Rotation without a step does not add a weight transfer.

This two-phrase exit drill separates travel from the free turn. This catalogue uses the title for the particular practice version described here; naming and sequences vary between schools.

Instructions

Lead

1
Phrase 1, Beat 1: Step left forward with weight.
2
Phrase 1, Beat 2: Step right slightly back with weight, opening your torso left.
3
Phrase 1, Beat 3: Step left out of the lane with weight, facing about a quarter left.
5
Phrase 1, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Phrase 1, Beat 5: Step right back with weight as the follower travels past.
7
Phrase 1, Beat 6: Step left with weight toward the new facing.
8
Phrase 1, Beat 7: Close right with weight, facing the follower at the opposite end.
9
Phrase 1, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
10
Phrase 2, Beat 1: Step left forward with weight.
11
Phrase 2, Beat 2: Replace weight onto right.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Close left underneath you with weight. Prepare the follower clockwise turn.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step right back with weight. Indicate direction, then release for the free turn.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Replace weight onto left.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Close right underneath you with weight. Offer a hand after the follower balances.
17
Phrase 2, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.

Follow

1
Phrase 1, Beat 1: Step right back with weight.
2
Phrase 1, Beat 2: Replace weight onto left.
3
Phrase 1, Beat 3: Step right underneath you with weight.
5
Phrase 1, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Phrase 1, Beat 5: Walk left forward through the clear lane with weight.
7
Phrase 1, Beat 6: Step right forward with weight, beginning a counterclockwise half-turn.
8
Phrase 1, Beat 7: Step left with weight to finish facing your partner.
9
Phrase 1, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
10
Phrase 2, Beat 1: Step right back with weight.
11
Phrase 2, Beat 2: Replace weight onto left.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Close right underneath you with weight.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step left forward with weight and begin turning clockwise under the arch.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step right around with weight, continuing clockwise.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Step left underneath you with weight to finish facing your partner.
17
Phrase 2, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.

Lead Direction

Give a clear preparation and let go without throwing the follower hand.

Tips

  • This two-phrase exit drill separates travel from the free turn.
  • 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.