How to Dance an Open Break Underarm Turn in Rumba

Rumba is a Latin dance that offers many opportunities to separate from your partner and come back together again. The Open Break Underarm Turn is a Rumba step that is very common. Women who like to turn generally love this pattern. It is characterized by a break in the dance hold to open position, and then a full turn for the lady before returning to either closed or open dance position. This step often leads into or out of other patterns.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Instructions for both partners

1. Take all steps in Rumba with the ball of the foot first and then lower the heel.

2. Start in closed dance position. The lady’s right hand should be in the man’s left, held at about eye level. The man’s right hand should be on lady’s left shoulder blade (under her left arm). The lady’s left hand should be flat on the man’s back, just behind his shoulder. The elbows should be in front of the body so there is space between the partners.

3. Count steps that take two counts as “slow” and steps that take one count as “quick.”

Man's steps

4. Stand on your right foot with your left foot free.

5. Step forward on your left foot on counts one and two.

6. Step to the side on your right foot on count three.

7. Bring your left foot to your right and change weight to your left foot on count four.

8. Let go of your partner with your right hand, lower your left to her waist level and step to the side on your right foot on counts five and six. Allow your partner to move slightly away from you.

9. Take a small step back on your left foot on count seven. Do not move your right foot.

10. Replace the weight on your right foot on count eight.

11. Step to the side on your left foot on counts one and two, raising your left hand to your partner’s eye level. You should still be holding her right hand in your left.

12. Turn slightly to your right and take a small step back on your right foot on count three while leading your partner to make a 360-degree turn to her right by making a circle around her head with your left hand. If you were looking down from above, your hand would move clockwise. Do not move your left foot.

13. Replace your weight on your left foot on count four.

14. Turn slightly to your left to face your partner and step to the side on your right foot on counts one and two. You may place your right hand on her back again or continue dancing with the one-hand hold. This will be the beginning of the next step as well as the end of this one.

Woman's steps

15. Stand on your left foot with your right foot free.

16. Step back on your right foot on counts one and two.

17. Step to the side on your left foot on count three.

18. Bring your right foot to your left and change weight to your right foot on count four.

19. Step to the side on your left foot on counts five and six. The man will lower his hand and allow you to move slightly away from him.

20. Step back on your right foot on count seven. Do not move your left foot.

21. Replace your weight on your left foot on count eight.

22. Step to the side on your right foot on counts one and two.

23. Turn to your right and take a small step forward on your left foot on count three. Do not move your right foot. Your partner will be leading you to turn by moving your arm in a circle.

24. Turn half way around to your right and replace the weight back onto your right foot on count four.

25. Turn right to face your partner and step to the side on your left foot on counts five and six.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.

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