How to Do the Lady's Footwork in a Right Underarm Turn

The right underarm turn, or reverse turn, is a rarer pattern than its sister the underarm turn, or alemana. Although it is not seen as much in traditional choreography or social dancing routines, it can be a beautiful pattern and an unexpected twist one can add in their routine to flare it up. Below are instructions on the specific footwork that is needed for the lady's part in this particular pattern.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dance shoes

1. Have your weight fully over your left foot, with your right foot pointed to the side.

2. Begin the turn by stepping across to your left with your right foot. You can choose to do a delayed walk or a forward walk here.

3. Perform a half turn on your right foot. Your left foot should be free and pointed back to the direction you came from.

4. Step on your left foot by doing a forward walk.

5. Perform a half turn to face the same direction you started and step to your right, with your weight fully over your right foot and your left foot pointed to your left as your ending position.

Tips & Warnings

• This generic footwork can be applied to any Latin dance that has under arm turns (i.e. Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, etc.). For extra practice, give it a shot in some of these other dances.
• Always perform slowly before doing full speed.

Resources

• National Dance Council of America
• USA Dance