How to Do a Shoulder Turn in Salsa Dancing

Doing a shoulder turn is much the same as an inside turn in salsa dancing. For much of the turn, the man and the woman will do the same steps, until the man releases the woman and helps her to turn around, catching her at the end of the turn. This article will get you and your partner turning on the dance floor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin doing a shoulder turn in salsa dancing by starting in a ballroom hold. While you put your left hand on the man's shoulder, and your right hand in your partner's left hand, he places his left hand just below your shoulder blade.

2. Step back with your right foot as the man steps forward with his right foot and begins to turn his torso to the left while doing a shoulder turn in salsa dancing.

3. Go in place with your right foot. The man turns so that he is facing the middle of the floor with his feet together, then opens his feet so that they are about a shoulder's width apart.

4. Move forward with your left foot as you do a shoulder turn in salsa dancing. The man lets go of your right hand and reaches over to hold your right shoulder.

5. Allow the man to turn you as you step forward with your right leg. He'll let go of you, to direct your spin as you do a shoulder turn, continuing to turn left as you go. When you turn to the point you have your back turned toward him, and your right side to the middle of the floor, the man puts his right hand between your shoulder blades.

6. Turn until you face the man while he curves his right hand around your back, drawing you near. Reach up with your left hand and place it on your partner's right shoulder, and take his left hand in your right. The return to the ballroom position marks the end of the shoulder turn.

7. Return to the basic salsa dancing steps before doing another shoulder turn.