How to Do the Hammerlock Position in Merengue

The hammerlock is a two-handed turn and chase position in merengue, meaning that the couple dances side by side, moving in a circle. The woman moves backward and the man moves forward as if chasing her but they remain in contact through the hammerlock.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Option One

1. Begin with the basic merengue dance pattern. Push the woman away, dropping your right arm from her shoulder and taking her left hand by the end of count 8.

2. Release the woman's right hand and press your palm against her palm to indicate that you want her to turn. At the same time, turn your right palm up while holding her left hand to indicate that at the end of the turn, her hand will be behind her back.

3. Move to dance beside the woman as she completes her turn. Don't release her hands, but allow her to turn her hands in yours as she turns so your clasped hands are in a comfortable position at the end of the turn.

4. Allow your left hand to lower as the woman completes her turn and faces you. Your right hand, still holding her left, will be against her back and your right hand will be in front of you at your waist. You are now in the chase position.

5. Reverse the turn, unwinding your arms and releasing the woman's right hand so she can turn under your arm one or more times.

6. Return to the basic merengue dance pattern.

Option Two

7. Complete Steps 1 through 4 as in Section 1.

8. Raise the woman's right arm over your head and bring it behind you. This will cause you to turn your back to the woman.

9. Allow the woman to turn one or more times under your left arm, remembering to release her right hand.

10. Return to the basic merengue dance pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• The woman should look back at the man as she turns. Both partners should remember to employ Cuban motion as they dance.

Resources

• See a video demonstration of the hammerlock at Expert Village.