How to Dance a Crossover Break in Rumba

The crossover break in rumba is just one of many different steps you can do in this dance. This pattern is generally followed by either an under-arm turn for the lady or a walk-around free turn for both partners.When reading the instructions for this pattern, each step begins with the count for that part of the step. This refers to the beat or beats you will be dancing on and how you will count the step. A slow is two beats of music and a quick is one beat. The count for the crossover break in rumba is slow, quick, quick throughout.Closed dance position: lady’s right hand in the man’s left, held at about eye level. Man’s right hand on lady’s left shoulder blade (under her left arm). Lady’s left hand flat on the man’s back, just behind his shoulder. The lady is offset to the man’s right side.All steps in rumba should land with the ball of the foot first and then lower the heel.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ballroom dance shoes with suede soles

Man's steps

1. Stand in closed dance position on your right foot with your left foot free.

2. Counts one, two (say “slow”--two beats): step forward on your left foot.

3. Count three (say “quick”--one beat): step to the side on your right foot.

4. Count four (quick): bring your left foot to your right and change weight to your left.

5. Counts five, six (slow): step to the side on your right foot, releasing the lady with your right hand and bringing your left hand down to waist level.

6. Count seven (quick): rotate 90 degrees to your right, bringing your left hand through to allow the lady to turn to her left. Step forward on your left foot.

7. Count eight (quick): replace your weight back onto your right foot.

8. Counts one, two (slow): face your partner and step to the side on your left foot, taking the lady’s left hand in your right and dropping the left hand.

9. Count three (quick): rotate 90 degrees to your left, bringing your right hand through to allow the lady to turn to her right. Step forward on your right foot.

10. Count four (quick): replace your weight back onto your left foot.

11. Counts five, six (slow): face your partner and step to the side on your right foot, taking her right hand in your left and dropping the right.

12. Count seven (quick): rotate 90 degrees to your right, bringing your left hand through to allow the lady to turn to her left. Step forward on your left foot.

13. Count eight (quick): replace your weight back onto your right foot.

14. Counts one and two (slow): face your partner and step to the side on your left foot. This will be the beginning of the next step as well as the end of this one.

Woman's steps

15. Stand in closed dance position on your left foot with your right foot free.

16. Counts one, two (say “slow”--two beats): step back on your right foot.

17. Count three (say “quick”--one beat): step to the side on your left foot

18. Count four (quick): bring your right foot to your left and change weight to the right foot.

19. Counts five, six (slow): step to the side on your left foot. The man will let go with his right hand; let go with your left.

20. Count seven (quick): rotate 90 degrees to your left and step forward on your right foot.

21. Count eight (quick): replace your weight back onto your left foot.

22. Counts one, two (slow): face your partner and step to the side on your right foot.

23. Count three (quick): rotate 90 degrees to your right and step forward on your left foot.

24. Count four (quick): replace your weight back onto your right foot.

25. Counts five, six (slow): face your partner and step to the side on your left foot.

26. Count seven (quick): rotate 90 degrees to your left and step forward on your right foot.

27. Count eight (quick): replace your weight back onto your left foot.

28. Counts one, two (slow): face your partner and step to the side on your right foot.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.

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