How to Do the Hammerlock in Swing Dancing

People swing dance all across the nation and there are a number of different types of swing dances. Many of the basic moves, such as the two- or three-step, the hammerlock, the cuddle up and the cradle, remain similar in their execution. Swing is not hard to learn and doesn't require advanced dance experience or knowledge. To do the hammerlock in triple swing dancing, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin with the triple swing basic stance, in which you face your partner and hold each other's hands in an open position. The open position leaves a foot or two of space in between you and your partner.

2. Step three times to the left to the music beat, do a back rock and triple step to the right, with another back rock. Do these moves in unison with your partner facing you as you hold hands.

3. Continue holding hands as the woman turns to her right. The man holds his left arm up, giving her some room to turn, and the woman holds up her right arm as she does an underarm turn.

4. Keep turning until the woman's left hand and the man's right hand lock behind her back and she almost faces him.

5. Turn back out of the hammerlock until you again face your partner with both arms extended forward, holding hands.

Tips & Warnings

• The hammerlock is much like a traditional underarm turn except the man continues to hold both the woman's hands throughout the entire move.