Advanced Hip Twists

Rumba Advanced Hip Twists

Rumba Advanced Hip Twists is a Gold Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the different variation of the dance steps, including timing, and movement; 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

  • 2: LF fwd in RSP | Slight body turn to R

    • Previous step: lead lady towards R side.

    • Increase tone and lower L arm to R at chest level. Widen R arm in h old to R side.

  • 3: Transfer weight to RF

  • 4 1: LF ehind RF (Cuban Cross) | 1/8 to L (LF), body turns less

    • Retain tone and return arms to normal position, slightly to R

    • This is Pressed Backward Walk.

  • 2: RF back | Slight body turn to L to normal position

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF | Body completes turn

    • Increase tone in L arm. Release R hand hold.

  • 4 1: RF to side in Fan Position | 1/8 to L over step 5 and 6

    • Slightly extend L arm, L hand still.

Follower

  • 2: RF back in RSP | 1/2 to R

    • Turn starts end of previous beat.

    • At previous beat: LF fwd in line with RF, R hip open up (which gives Man space), keep RF behind, keep pressure on RF more, press into it.

    • Do sharp 1/2 turn R, 2 options to finish (personal preference):

      • Option: after the turn, keep RF is in front, keep pressure on ball of RF, then quick release of RF, step back on count "2". Do not leave RF trailing during turn.

      • Option: during the quick turn, R toe/ball comes to the heel of LF, brushing/passing and quickly place back and then "melt" to R hip.

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF

    • "3 &", on "&" start turning 1/2 to L to face Man. This is a bigger twist action. Weight onto LF, R hip lifted in the back, big preparation.

    • Track RF when turning.

  • 4 1: RF fwd in line with LF towards Man's R side | 5/8 to L

    • Turn starts end of previous beat. RF cross LF in front.

    • Pressed Forward Walk. Settle L hip more. make gap between legs bigger.

    • "4 1 &", do not turn to R early, Hold on 1, straighten R leg with weight, then turn on "&".

  • 2: LF fwd passing in front of Man | 1/4 to R

    • Turn starts end of previous beat

    • Turn is initiated from hips. Hips turn more than body.

  • 3: RF fwd and slightly across, then turn to end RF back. | 1/8 to L, then a further 1/2 to L. Body turns less.

    • Sharp turn

  • 4 1: LF back in Fan Position | body completes turn

    • Do not let body weight take over. Release L leg and step back ahead of body. Backward walk action.

    • Fan position is a picture pose position. Give it some "significance" with more arm styling. Start from LH in middle of torso, then elbow-wrist-hand extend out. Body turns to left in the direction of the hand, do not tilt shoulders. Look at your audience, along the L arm.

Note:

  • Alternative finishing positions:

    • Open Position: Man turn 3/8 to L over steps 5 and 6.

    • Open CPP

    • Contact Position: use normal hold.

      • Man turn 1/2 to L over steps 5 and 6 to end RF to side and slightly fwd.

      • Lady: 3/4 to L over steps 5 and 6 to end LF behind RF as Cuban Cross.

  • Man can use "Press Line" on step 1 by making a slight swivel to R on RF and placing LF fwd on ball of foot with pressure but with partial weight.

  • This can be danced following Alemana with R to R hand hold, changing to L to R hand hold on step 5 of this figure.

Preceding Figures

  1. Alemana

  2. Circular Hip Twists

  3. Continuous Hip Twists

  4. Natural Top

  5. Rope Spinning

  6. Three Alemanas

  7. Three Threes

Following Figures

  1. Alemana (normal; or when finish in Open Position)

  2. Hockey Stick

  3. Sliding Doors

  4. Fencing

  5. Three Alemanas (normal; or when finish in Open Position)

  6. Basic Movements: Open (when finish in Open Position; 1-3 Open Basic followed by Progressive Walks Back or Natural Top)

  7. Open Hip Twist (when finish in Open Position)

  8. Curl (when finish in Open Position)

  9. Three Threes (when finish in Open Position)

  10. New York LSP (when finish in Open CPP)

  11. Spot or Switch Turn To R (Lady to L) (when finish in Open CPP)

  12. Underarm Turn To L (when finish in Open CPP)

  13. Reverse Top (when finish in Contact Position, continue with 4-6 or 4-9 of Reverse Top)