Tango Rock Turn

Rock Turn is a Newcomer Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, footwork, alignment, and movement; steps diagram; 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 with S (1 walk) on LF fwd as a prep step, then continue with pattern below.

Step	Timing	Movement	Alignment	Footwork	Turn	CBM	Notes
1	S	RF fwd	DW	H	--	slight	This step is straight.
2	Q	LF to side and slightly back	BC	IE of BH	--	--
3	Q	Transfer weight to RF, R side leading	DW against LOD	IE of BH	1/4 to R between 1-3	--	Direction is confusing. Man is backing DC. (Coach is doing H.)
4	S	LF back, small step, L side leading	BDC	IE of BH			Man is backing DC, moving DC direction.
5	Q	RF back in CBMP	Wall	BH		CBM	moving toward center, position is BC
6	Q	LF to side and slightly fwd	Pointing DW	IE of foot	1/4 to L between 4-6
7	S	RF closes to LF slightly back	FDW	WF

Follower

Start with S (1 walk) on RF back as a prep step, then continue with pattern below.

Step	Timing	Movement	Alignment	Footwork	Turn	CBM	Notes
1	S	LF back	BDW	BH		slight	* need to keep wide enough tracks so Man has enough room to step. * To be dramatic: Man lead Lady to go back strong with extra shaping from head/body. * Straight back.
2	Q	RF fwd, slightly right wards	Facing centre	H			* During the rock QQS: no funny shoulder movement, keep shoulder flat. * Take center with the foot when rocking. * Rotate, but be very aware to stay left of Man, do not get into Man's space. * Let hips do its job.
3	Q	LF back and slightly left wards, L side leading	BDW against LOD	IE of BH	1/4 to R from 1-3		need wider tracks
4	S	RF fwd, small step, R side leading	DC	H			* There is more body turn to R to wind up.  * Corte: keep center to Man, leave head behind, bigger step, rotate shoulder, center is very forward, extend and shape. * Stay on Man's left side. Lady's left side is very forward to Man. (despite the "R side leading") * Lady can choose to keep head to left or turn it to R (but keep body to partner to his right side, do not slide body.) * Head flick: "&S": timing is critical - sync up with Man, otherwise it looks awkward and artificial. * Weight should be on RF, not in middle. Man is stretching to his left side.  Head to R option: Lady opens up more, shape to R, head to R, but give R side to Man.
5	Q	LF fwd in CBMP	Center	H		CBM	Do not initiate with body forward. Use the R leg to drive the step. Do not get into Man's space. Step forward through Man. Keep body contact. Do not turn shoulder too quickly to L.  After stepping onto LF, use left side as axis. Stay with Man.
6	Q	RF to side and slightly back	BDW	IE of BH	1/4 to L from 4-6
7	S	LF closes to RF slightly fwd	BDW	WF