How to Do a Basic Underarm Turn in International Ballroom Latin Dancing

The underarm turn is one of the most common patterns in any dance and is an "evergreen" basic (or basic that never goes out of style) that everyone must know. There are many underarm turns, but the most basic is the left underarm turn. The following are steps on how to achieve this type of turn in International Latin dancing, using the International Rumba as a medium for explanation of the figure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Well fitting clothes for dancing
• Shoes for dancing
• Music (Slow rumba)

Man's Part

1. Begin with weight fully over left foot and right foot pointed to the side. Your hand should be up about shoulder height and palm connected to your partner's.

2. On beat "2," pass your right foot under your body and step backwards and diagonally. Assume full weight over your right foot.

3. On beat "and", immediately turn the lady. You should remain still, but your hand positions should now be to the right of her right shoulder, or inside the partnership.

4. On beat "3," commence forward and place full weight on your left foot.

5. On beat "and," collect your feet together and step side on beat "4."

Lady's Part

6. Begin with weight fully over right foot and left foot pointed to the side.

7. On beat "2" step across in a diagonal position and assume full weight over your left foot.

8. On beat "and," turn a half turn.

9. On beat "3," step forward onto your right foot and away from your partner.

10. On the following "and" beat, rotate to face your partner as you collect your feet. End stepping to your left on beat "4."

Tips & Warnings

• This is best done to Rumba music since you can focus on slow, correct movement--though the techniques are the same for Cha Cha as well.
• Always practice slowly without music before doing anything full speed.

Resources

• National Dance Council of America
• USA Dance