How to Do the Hammerlock Step in Cha Cha

The hammerlock step in cha cha is a medium to advanced step and is danced with a partner. The actual hammerlock consists of an interlocking of the arms with the woman's left arm behind her back, gripping the man's right hand and the opposite arms down low with hands also grasped.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start with the basic Cha Cha step. As the lead, step front left, right, cha, cha, cha for 2, 3, 4-and-5. Step back right, left, cha cha cha for 6, 7, 8-and-1.

2. Step front left, right, cha, cha, cha for 2, 3, 4-and-5. Open your left palm and drop your right hand. Keep holding both her hands in preparation for the turn.

3. Turn your partner in a circle around her right shoulder, keeping hold of her hands throughout. Her left arm is now behind her back, with your hands still touching in a hammerlock position. Move your feet in place, right, left, cha, cha, cha for 6, 7, 8-and-1.

4. Do the cross by lead move to get out of the hammerlock. Still in the hammerlock, step front left, back right and cha, cha, cha to face the side, keeping her in place at your right. Count 2, 3, 4-and-5.

5. Allow the girl to step left forward as you bring your arm up in preparation for another turn. Bring her across as she steps right forward and unwinds--cha, cha, cha--over her left shoulder. Count 6, 7, 8-and-1 as you cha cha in place to allow her to unwind to your left side.

6. Turn to face her and continue on with your routine. Practice this hammerlock turn and incorporate it into your future routines when you need to switch direction or stop moving forward.