How to Do an Outside Salsa Dance Turn

Doing an outside salsa turn incorporates some of the more basic turns and puts them together in a more complicated fashion. The same, sultry salsa beat is maintained while you and your partner switch sides, then go back again.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin the outside salsa turn by being in the ballroom hold with your partner. He holds your right hand in his left, and places his right hand on your back. You place your left hand on his right shoulder.

2. Step back with your right foot as the man steps forward with his left foot and turns his torso a little to the left, opening up some space between you as he still holds your hand and has his right hand on your back.

3. Move forward with your right foot and place it beside your left as you do the outside salsa turn, and then step forward with your left foot turning toward the man to the left as you do so. He will be guiding you forward by directing you with his left hand, and slowly revolving backward to the right so he that he will end up where you began with you facing him.

4. Take his right hand in yours as you end your turn and face your partner with your feet together as you do the outside salsa turn.

5. Wait as the man steps back with his left foot, increasing the distance between you as he extends his arm while still holding onto your right hand. As he steps to the side with his left foot, and turns his torso to the left so that he is facing the middle of the floor, allow him to turn your body to the left as you step forward with your right foot. He will stop you from going on by placing his left hand on your left shoulder, so that for a moment, you will be standing directly in front of him with your back turned toward him. You can extend your left arm for style if you like, as he is careful to hold your right extended but at your shoulder level while you do the outside salsa turn.

6. Go forward with your left foot as your partner pulls on your right hand and gives your left shoulder a little push. Turn in toward your partner (to the left), and go beneath your right hands as he holds them up. The man steps back with his right foot as you make one turn, then steps forward with his left foot as you turn again, and steps forward with his right foot as you spin the third time. You will end up as you started, with your sides facing the middle of the dance floor, and facing each other.

7. Do the outside salsa turn over and over with your partner, and break it down step by step. As you both grow more confident with it, you'll be able to do it faster and faster, in time with the music.