Open Hip Twist

Cha Cha Cha Open Hip Twist

Cha Cha Open Hip Twist is a Silver Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, and movement, technique; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader

Step Timing Movement
Turn Notes
1
 2
 LF fwd --
 Slightly extend L arm fwd, close left thumb.
2
 3
 Transfer eight to RF  --
 Contract L arm over 2-5 to end with L hand close to L hip
3 4 5
 4 & 1
 Slip Chasse LRL --
6
 2
 RF back, small step --
 Brace L arm towards end of preceding beat, then L arm to side
7
 3
 Transfer weight to LF 1/8 to L over 7-10 Increase tone in L arm
8 9 10
 4 & 1
 RF to side to chasse RLR, Ending in Fan Position. --
 Man can do a hip twist chasse.
Slightly extend L arm. L hand still. Fan Position.

Follower

Step Timing Movement 
 Turn Notes
1
 2
 RF back --
 Receive weight, step RF back, but keep weight forward, not pulling Man back. Hook RH finger on Man's hand. Extend R arm.
2
 3
 Transfer weight to LF --
3 4 5
 4 & 1
 Fwd Lock RLR --
 Response to Man's lead, Lady brings her weight well fwd on this step. match arm tone to Man's. Allow R arm to bend.
6
 2
 LF fwd 1/4 to R Turn starts at tend of previous beat. Turn is initiated from hips. Hips turn more than upper body.
7
 3
 RF fwd and slightly across, then turn to end RF back  1/8 to L. Body turns less, then a further 1/2 turn to L Advanced Option: At end of "3", do a Spiral, ending LF wrapped loose in front of RF, facing away from Man.
8 9 10
 4 & 1
 Back Lock LRL. End in Fan Position. Body completes turn. - If a Spiral is done, finish with Runaway Chasse. (LF fwd, RF fwd, turn 1/2 to end LF back). See types of chasse in Cha Cha Technique.
- If no Spiral: this can also finish in Open Position (with side or back chasse), Contact Position (with side chasse), or CPP