How to Do an Outside Salsa Turn for Women

An outside turn is an essential part of any woman's salsa dancing repertoire. Instead of using the cross body lead to change direction, the woman turns under the man's left arm. These moves take a little practice, but in no time, you'll have mastered the outside salsa turn.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin with the basic salsa rock step. Step back with your right foot while rocking forward with the left foot and place the right foot beside your left foot (counts 1, 2 and 3). Pause for count four, then step forward onto the left foot, rocking back onto the right foot, then put your left foot beside the right foot (counts 5, 6 and 7). Pause on count 8.

2. Perform the first three counts as in Step 1.

3. Drop your left hand from the man's shoulder. The man drops his right hand.

4. Step forward onto the left foot, then the right foot, then the left foot again, moving past the man and under his arm for counts 5, 6, and 7. The man turns to the side to allow you to pass and raises his left arm.

5. Turn to the left on count 8. You may either turn 180 degrees (1/2 turn) or 540 degrees (1 1/2 turns). Return to the closed position with the man, who has turned to meet you.

6. Return to the salsa rock step.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that salsa is danced in place with the man and woman changing places with cross body leads and turns. The dancers don't travel around the floor.
• The dance steps listed above are "LA Style," in which the dancers move on count 1 and pause on count 4.