Ballroom Dances‎ > ‎International Style‎ > ‎Samba‎ > ‎

Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs

Samba Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs

The Samba Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs is a Gold 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.

This figure starts in Closed Position. No Bounce.

Leader
Step Timing Movement 
 Turn
  Footwork Notes
1
 1 RF to side No turn B Weight change. Body incline: normal. Man may step fwd on this first step, then taking second step to side in PP.
2
 2 Replace weight to LF in PP 1/8 to L between steps 1 and 2 BF Weight change to achieve PP, widening hold. Body incline: normal.
3
 3 RF fwd in Open PP and CMBP Start to turn R BF Achieve Open PP releasing L to R hand hold. Extend L arm to side.  Incline body to L
4 1 LF back and slightly to side 3/8 to R between steps 3 and 4 B Achieve Closed Position and place L had on Lady's R shoulder blade. Maintain body inclination to L
5 2 RF to side in Open CPP 3/8 to R between steps 4 and 5 BF Release contact with R hand and achieve Open CPP. Return body to normal position
6 3 LF fwd and across in Open CPP and CBMP 1/8 to R between steps 5 and 6. Body turns less BF Maintain Open PP and extend R arm to side. Incline body to R.
7 1 RF fwd between partners feet Body completes turn B Achieve Closed Position and place R hand on Lady's L shoulder blade. maintain body inclination to R.
8 2 LF to side in Open PP 1/8 to R between steps 7 and 8 BF Achieve Open CPP. Return body to normal position.
 9 3 RF fwd and across in Open PP and CBMP No turn BF Maintain Open PP and extend L arm to side. Incline body to L.

Note: body inclination could be reversed as well. incline body to R on step 3, to L on step 6, and to R on step 9.

Follower

Step Timing Movement 
 Turn
  Footwork Notes
1
 1 LF to side No turn B Lady may step back on this step, taking second step to side in PP. Normal body position.

Collect center, compress ab muscle (hip/butt back), spiral action on LF (with R leg crossed in front). Both heels are up.
2
 2 Replace weight to RF in PP 1/8 to R between steps 1 and 2 BF Body position: normal. RF to side, on to straight R leg, both legs straight, both heels up.

Compress R side, R hip up, then rotate to go into next step. Really finish the hip.

Need to take big enough steps between 1 and 2 to create enough space with Man (so to not feel cramped with partner). 
3
 3 LF fwd and across in Open PP and CBMP 1/8 to R between steps 2 and 3. Body turns less. BF Continue to rotate R hip to R, keep it up, swivel RF, sending L leg forward (really extend leg, articulate the foot/leg, slide foot, nice line, foot is turned out, but not excessively) L leg starts with straight leg, then finish with bent knee forward, as in Boto fogo position with L leg bent in front, R leg back straight (check leg line), R hip high. Body up right, not slanted forward.

Don't sit and stop at this position. Hip continues to move diagonally fwd. Knees forward, not down, don't sit. Use butt muscle, back leg push forward to "flatten the hip crease" . Hip keeps moving, does not stop.

Incline body to R. Lady extends free arm to side to match Man's arm position.

At this time, Man is a bit in front of Lady.
4 1 RF fwd between partner's feet Body completes turn B Maintain inclination to R. Lady place right hand lightly on Man's left shoulder on this step 4

Botofogo action for hips, L hip rotate, prep R  leg fwd, Lady's RF steps small step in between partner's feet (as Man is cross in front). heel is up.

Continue working R hip in figure 8 motion. 
5 2 LF to side in Open CPP 1/8 to R between steps 4 and 5 BF Return body to normal position.

Lady has a slight turn to R to almost face partner. Dancing L side strongly, LF to side (bigger step, prepare to go around Man later), work L side (compress) and L hip (rotate to left). 

2 straight legs. 2 heels up.
6 3         RF fwd in Open PP and CBMP Start to turn R BF Incline body to L. Lady extends free arm to side to match Man's arm position.

Finish in Botofogo position with R leg bent in front, L hip high, L leg back., straight. Lady should be in front of Man.

(Same technique in step 3 above). Don't sit and stop at this position. Hip continues to move diagonally fwd. 
7 1 LF back and slightly to side 3/8 to R between steps 6 and 7 B Maintain inclination to L. lady puts left hand lightly on Man's right shoulder on step 7.

More turn on this step. Step around Man (go to the other side). Spiral on LF, butt back. 
8 2 RF to side in Open PP 3/8 to R between steps 7 and 8 BF Return body to Normal position. Same as step 2. repeat.
 9 3 LF fwd and across in Open PP and CBMP No turn BF Incline body to R. Lady extends free arm to side to match Man's arm position.