Salsa MovesLibrary

Zig-Zag Cross Body Lead

Level: intermediateStyle: laRole: bothType: travel
Also known as: Zig-Zag CBL

Summary

Link cross-body leads while gradually redirecting the shared slot to make a zig-zag pathway.

Zig-Zag Cross Body Lead salsa move (la, intermediate)

Learn Salsa: Progressive Cross Body Lead!

Dance Papi · 1 of 3

Description

Link cross-body leads while gradually redirecting the shared slot to make a zig-zag pathway.

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.

Use shallow angles and avoid steering a moving follower abruptly sideways. 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: Step right slightly back with weight, opening your torso left. Open a new lane at a modest angle.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Step left out of the lane with weight, facing about a quarter left.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step right back with weight as the follower travels past.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step left with weight toward the new facing.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Close right with weight, facing the follower at the opposite end.
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: Step right underneath you with weight.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Walk left forward through the clear lane with weight. Follow the newly offered lane.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step right forward with weight, beginning a counterclockwise half-turn.
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

Reorient between crossings so the new lane is clear before travel begins.

Tips

  • Use shallow angles and avoid steering a moving follower abruptly sideways.
  • 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.
Zig-Zag Cross Body Lead – Salsa Steps, Tips & Common Mistakes | Salsa Moves