The Underarm Turn is quite common throughout the world and fairly easy to learn. Used in perhaps 600 dances throughout the world. Maybe I exaggerate, perhaps only 500. The ladies get to do most of the turns and the lead merely raises his lead hand. Get the arm up before the turn. Keep it up and centered over her head during the turn. Then, bring it down when the rotation is over, to signal the end of the figure. We men are often tempted to lead a turn by making a circular movement with the lead hand — by whipping her around like pulling on the string that is wound around a wooden top. That's a little rough.
Usually, she can make that turn herself — she doesn’t need your “help.” You merely invite her to dance the given figure and then to move in such a way that allows her to do it. Men, let her dance her own figures, most of our ladies are terrific at following. You might be facing your partner with lead hands joined and you might have just done a Half Basic. Even before the measure starts, even before you have taken the last step of the Half Basic, the man should begin to raise the lead hand. A good dance lead anticipates the next move.
The lead gives notice ahead of time and prepares the woman for what is to come. There are no sudden surprises, the figure is danced smoothly and together. The lead communicates a little bit about timing so that they dance the figure not as individuals but as a couple. So, don't muscle her around; just raise your joined lead hands and allow her to dance under. Make the raising of the hand relatively vertical, and try to center the joined hands over her head. She will stay on better balance than if you straighten your arm off to one side and make her scurry to get around and under.
"Ultimately, dancing can help social dancers feel more complete."
Usually, she can make that turn herself — she doesn’t need your “help.” You merely invite her to dance the given figure and then to move in such a way that allows her to do it. Men, let her dance her own figures, most of our ladies are terrific at following. You might be facing your partner with lead hands joined and you might have just done a Half Basic. Even before the measure starts, even before you have taken the last step of the Half Basic, the man should begin to raise the lead hand. A good dance lead anticipates the next move.
"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed
Email from my niece in California.
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