Opening Out to Right and Left

Rumba Opening Out to Right and Left

This is a Bronze 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

Start in Closed Position.

  • 2: LF to side, part weight | No turn

    • It's a "lighter" lead to turn Lady 90' in this figure (vs. a much stronger turning lead in Closed Hip Twist.) Do shaping a bit.

  • 3: Transfer weight to RF

  • 4 1: Close LF to RF

  • 2: RF to side, part weight

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF

  • 4 1: Close RF to LF

Follower

  • 2: RF back, at a 90" angle to Man on his R side | 1/4 to R

    • Turn is started on "&" of previous beat

    • It may appear to be side step, but it really need to be back step, keep thighs tight together.

    • However upper body can turn and "open up" to audience.

    • R arm/chest going back to open up "big".

  • 3: Transfer weight fwd to LF

  • 4 1: RF fwd, then turn to end RF to side | 1/4 to L

    • Lady places R hand on his L shoulder - no rush on this. Just need arm to connect, delay putting Lady's R hand on Man's shoulder.

    • In advanced form, this step can be taken fwd in line with other foot (or slightly cross, forward walk turn), then turn 1/2 to end at the 90" angle to Man. Settle and pressure into hand first, before stepping LF back.

  • 2: LF back at a 90" angle to Man on his L side | 1/4 to L

  • 3: Transfer weight fwd to RF

  • 4 1: F fwd, then turn to end LF to side | 1/4 to R

    • In advanced form, this step can be taken fwd in line with other foot, then turn 1/2 to end at the 90" angle to Man.

    • Regain normal hold at end of 6.

Note:

  • Man is dancing a LF Cucaracha and RF Cucaracha.

  • Turn on step 1 and 4 are made at end of previous beat.

  • An Extended Forward Walk may be used on steps 3 & 6.

  • Variations (Silver & Gold):

    • Man may place R hand on Lady's back on 6, release L hand hold. Lady: place L hand on Man's R shoulder and turn 1/4 R into step 1 of following figure to 90 degree. Normal hold is regained on step 3 of following figure.

    • Man may lead lady fwd towards his R side on last step of preceding figure and then turn 1/4 R on RF keeping his feet together, at the same time leading Lady to turn R

      • Lady LF fwd in line with RF towards Man's R side, then turn 1/2 R on LF to end LF back at a 90 degree angle to Man. No turn on step 1 of the following Opening Out Movement.

Preceding Figures

  1. Alemana

  2. Natural Top

  3. Rope Spinning

  4. Three Alemanas

Following Figures

  1. Fan

  2. Basic Movements: Closed

  3. Basic Movements: Open

  4. Natural Opening Out Movement

  5. Closed Hip Twist

  6. Spiral (1/4 R on 1)