Advanced Hip Twist

Cha Cha Cha Advanced Hip Twist

The Advanced 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

• 2: LF to side or fwd in RSP | slight body turn to R

• 3: Transfer weight to RF

• 4 & 1: LF behind RF (Cuban Cross) to chasse LRL | 1/8 to L (LF), body turns less

  • Man can do slip chasse, or ronde chasse.

  • Count 4: Heel is not lowered and knee remains flexed.

  • Count 1 : Pressed Backward Walk

• 2: RF back | body completes turn

• 3: Transfer weight to LF | 1/8 to L over steps 7-10

• 4 & 1: RF to side to chasse RLR, end in Fan Position

  • Hip Twist Chasse.

Follower

• 2: RF back in RSP | 1/2 to R

  • Turn starts at e/o previous beat by turning shoulder first. Then sharp turn to R.

  • Do not "fall" back, body is quite forward. After turning 1/2 turn, RF is in front with a lot of pressure, then quick release to step back (like backward walk). Do not let spine fall back.

  • Keep right shoulder back, squeeze R side, settle.

• 3: Transfer weight to LF

  • e/o beat, starts turn

  • Weight on to LF, make sure to dance the L hip up and forward before turning.

  • Turn more than 1/2 turn, head sharp turn to L as well.

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

  • Turn starts at e/o previous beat,

  • "4": This is Pressed Forward walk with RF, a bit diagonal to L, RF crosses in front of LF, on ball of RF, demi-point, R heel is not lowered, R knee remains flexed. (it's a fwd step, really throw L hip back. hip should not be flat)

  • "&": LF closed to RF, both knees bent.

  • "1": RF to side, still facing Man at this moment. (Connected movement with L side twisting and RF stepping to side.) R side squeeze, R hip high. Settle R hip. (Not a lot of time. Hit the accent, then immediately go settle R hip and go.)

    • In routines, sometimes this "1" can be styled with an accent: RF to side, accent, head sharp turn to R, body is still parallel to Man. L shoulder slightly up, R side squeeze, R hip high, matching Man's line. Looking direction: diagonal.

  • "&": turn 1/4 to R.

  • Keep head stable. (Not moving head left and right.)

  • A Twist Chasse may be danced.

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

  • Turn starts at e/o previous beat,

  • Turn is initiated from hips, which are turned more than upper body

  • Small steps.

• 3: RF fwd in line with LF, then turn to end RF back | 1/2 to L, body turns less

  • Turn at end of beat "&". After turning. body weight into RH, pressure with Man first (tone in RH with Man), before doing back lock.

• 4 & 1: Back Lock LRL, end in Fan Position

  • body completes turn

  • Man holding lady on palm, not around fingers. arms low, at lady's waist level.

  • End of "1": drop heel, "1&" - on "&", settle L hip, which draws in RF, preparing for next figure, e.g. Hockey Stick.

Notes

• Alternative finishing positions:

  • Open Position: Man turn 3/8 to L over steps 7-10

  • Open CPP

  • Contact Position:

    • Man turn 1/2 to L over steps 7-10, dancing chasse side and slightly forward.

    • Lady 3/4 to L over steps 7-10 dancing chasse with LF behind RF (Cuban Cross). Remain normal hold throughout.

Preceding Figures

1. Alemana

2. Follow My Leader

3. Natural Top

4. Rope Spinning

Following Figures

1. Alemana

2. Hockey Stick

3. Open Basic Movement (Open Basic; Or, 1,2 of Open Basic to Three Cha Cha Chas Back; Or 1-5 of Open Basic to Natural Top)

4. Time Step LF

5. Open Hip Twist

6. Curl

7. Cuban Break LF

8. Split Cuban Break LF

9. Chase

10. Turkish Towel

11. Sweetheart

12. Follow My Leader

13. New York LSP

14. Spot or Switch Turn To R (Lady to L)

15. Underarm Turn to L

16. Three Cha Cha Chas Forward (LSP)

17. Reverse Top (6-10 or 6-15 Reverse Top)