Salsa MovesLibrary

Double Hand Pretzel

Level: advancedStyle: laRole: bothType: wrap
Also known as: Double Hand Pretzel Practice

Summary

Use a loose two-hand wrap and release it before a turning exit.

Double Hand Pretzel salsa move (la, advanced)

Salsa with Juan teaches "The Pretzel"

Salsa With Juan · 1 of 3

Description

Use a loose two-hand wrap and release it before a turning exit.

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.

Two-hand pretzel is a descriptive label here; a rigid grip is never needed to preserve the shape. 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 back with weight in two-hand hold.
2
Phrase 1, Beat 2: Replace weight onto right.
3
Phrase 1, Beat 3: Close left with weight and prepare the left-to-right arch.
5
Phrase 1, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Phrase 1, Beat 5: Step right in place with weight, inviting a clockwise turn into a low hammerlock; keep the low hand loose.
7
Phrase 1, Beat 6: Step left in place with weight.
8
Phrase 1, Beat 7: Step right in place with weight.
9
Phrase 1, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
10
Phrase 2, Beat 1: Step left in place with weight.
11
Phrase 2, Beat 2: Step right in place with weight.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Step left in place with weight. Release the low hand.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step right in place with weight, inviting a counterclockwise unwind.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step left in place with weight.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Step right in place with weight.
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: Close right underneath you with weight.
5
Phrase 1, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Phrase 1, Beat 5: Step left forward with weight and begin turning clockwise under the arch.
7
Phrase 1, Beat 6: Step right around with weight, continuing clockwise.
8
Phrase 1, Beat 7: Step left underneath you with weight to finish facing your partner. Allow your left hand low behind the waist only if comfortable.
9
Phrase 1, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
10
Phrase 2, Beat 1: Step right in place with weight.
11
Phrase 2, Beat 2: Step left in place with weight.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Step right in place with weight.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step left with weight into a counterclockwise unwind.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step right around with weight.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Step left 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

Keep the low hand near waist level and release before any shoulder tension appears.

Tips

  • Two-hand pretzel is a descriptive label here; a rigid grip is never needed to preserve the shape.
  • 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.