How to Cross Body Lead for Men During the Salsa

Doing the cross body lead when you are the man is an important part of the salsa. You need to be able to do the move smoothly so that you and your partner move together in time with the music. When you have the cross body lead down, you can add a turn to it, while still staying with the music. The important thing is to have fun when dancing this most enjoyable dance.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Do the cross body lead for men during the salsa as you normally would. Tell the woman what you wish her to do by pulling gently on her hand and pushing her forward with your hand on her back.

2. Turn to face the center of the room as you direct the woman to move forward.

3. Step back with your left foot and turn to the left. The woman steps forward and turns to the right.

4. Hold up the woman's right hand, and let your hand drop from her back.

5. Continue turning beneath the woman's hand, still holding it with your left hand.

6. End up in the ballroom hold, facing the woman.

7. Switch back to your original positions by doing another cross body lead during the salsa.

8. Practice doing the cross body lead during the salsa repeatedly until it becomes second nature. The music will help you to stay within the beat as well as time your steps as you are doing the cross body lead during the salsa.

Resources

• Alex Ruiz demonstrates the cross body lead for men.
• Salsa Dance Patterns defines several salsa dance patterns.