How to Perform a Cross Body Lead

A common move in Latin dancing, particularly salsa, is the cross body lead. Basically, it is a turning version of the box step. Timing is important to pull off this moderately complicated move. To perform a cross body lead, the man will turn away from his partner, which will lead her to dance in front of him from his right side to his left.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dance partner
• Basic understanding of the salsa box step
• Dance floor
• Dancing shoes
• Salsa music or other Latin rhythm

Perform a Cross Body Lead for Men

1. Step forward on the left foot, count "1." Tap your right foot in place, count "2."

2. Place your left foot back and turned to the left side, count "3." Your body will be facing left now.

3. Stop your body's turn when you are perpendicular to your starting point and be sure you are holding a very wide stance, count "4."

4. March in place first with the right foot, count "5." Then with the left foot, count "6."

5. Close feet together turning the body and heading in the opposite direction from where you started.

Perform a Cross Body Lead for Women

6. Walk forward with left foot, count "1."

7. Take a step with your right foot, count "2", but turn and end your foot at a 180 degree angle from where you started.

8. Put your feet together and count "3-4." You should be facing the opposite direction from where you started.

9. Place your right foot back and count "5."

10. Lift your left foot up and put it down, count "6."

11. Bring your right foot back to meet with the left foot again, count "7-8."

Tips & Warnings

• Always stay in sync with your partner. This is a couple's move only.
• Keep your body as still as possible (men) so your partner can turn around you.
• Once you get familiar with the move, you can wiggle your hips and bend your knees.
• Adding arm movements results in a Spanish flair. More advanced dancers incorporate arm movements.
• Drink plenty of water. Even though the steps seem small, you will be on your toes most of the time and can get exhausted and dehydrated easily.
• Avoid taking steps that are too far apart. Small steps are required.
• Do not wear shoes that primarily consist of rubber on the soles. The rubber sticks to the dance floor making turning extremely difficult. You will miss your beat if you can't spin easily and have a hard time catching up with your partner.