Alemana

Rumba Alemana

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

  • 2: LF fwd | No turn

  • 3: Transfer weight to RF

  • 4 1: Close LF to RF

    • Switch weight on '1'.

  • 2: RF back

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF

    • Man could do a side step; then step 6 would be a RF forward

  • 4 1: Close RF to LF. End in Closed Position

Follower

  • 2: Close RF to LF | No turn

    • To get into Fan position from previous 41: weight is more forward to Man (tension/pressure) after turning on 3&. before stepping LF back on 4. Hands hooked with Man's hand. More elastic feeling. Creates dynamic.

    • In Fan position, R arm/hand needs to be lower about belly button height, not too high.

    • When closing RF to LF, R side will squeeze, R arm will have pulling tension with Man.

    • L arm wrap in front of tummy, finish the arm action and don't cut it short.

  • 3: LF fwd

  • 4 1: RF fwd | 1/8 to R

    • L arm out to side

    • Previous 2 can hold a bit longer and then make 341 faster toward Man, pressure into his hand, weight forward.

  • 2 3 4 1: Three Fwd walks under raised arm LF RF LF. End in Closed Position | 1 1/8 to R over 4 to 6

    • On previous 1&: turn to R

    • Lady steps in a equilateral triangle.

    • "2&": LF step fwd to Man's L side, diagonally. Draw in L arm to front of body. Weight onto LF, On "&", RF brush (draw crescent moon) and point out (away from Man, no weight yet) to 2nd point in the triangle (middle in front of man)

    • "3&": step on RF, on "&" turn upper body to R, hold LF as long as possible, then sharp leg movement to place L leg.

    • "4": LF fwd step (could be to the side depending on next figure). Need to finish this step, settle weight with chest forward toward Man before next step.

Note:

  • This is really a signature figure for Lady. Make it count!

  • Lady may use Extended Forward Walk on step 4.

  • Alemana may start in Fan Position or Open Position (Lady steps back on 1 instead of closing RF to LF, make a complete turn R over 4-6)

  • Alternative Finishing positions:

    • May and Lady end to side (could be in closed position)

      • Man steps in front of Lady, forcing her to step side instead of front.

      • Another option is to finish in Open Position: last step Man steps fwd, strongly hold hand and have Lady step back.

    • Man and Lady end diagonally fwd in Open CPP

      • Man 1/8 to R, on 6 stop Lady's turn with L hand, Lady 1 1/8 R over 3-6.

    • Lady end fwd towards Man's R Side (normal for continuing with Closed Hip Twist) - sort of true Alemana.

      • Man turns body slightly R on 6 to lead lady towards his R side. Lady LF fwd in line with RF.

      • Man LF slightly leftwards on the next step.

    • Man and Lady fwd towards partner's R side

      • Man RF fwd in line with LF towards Lady's R side

      • Lead next and last step as position 3.

      • Man may take up to 1/4 R over 5 & 6, adjusting Lady's turn accordingly.

    • R Shadow Position

      • Man leads Lady towards R side as above

      • Continue to turn her R.

      • Lady ends LF back having made 1/2 turn R on LF during beat 1. Gain R Shadow Hold.

  • Alemana can be danced with R to R hand hold. Precedes with Hockey Stick or any figure ending in Open Position.

    • Then Man changes Lady's R hand into his R hand on last step and release hold with L hand.

    • Lady makes a complete turn R on Alemana.

    • Man takes last step fwd i line with LF towards partner's R side.

    • Lead next and Lady's last step as # 3 position.

    • Follow with Advanced Hip Twist, man changing Lady's R hand into his L hand, release hold with R hand hold on 5.

Preceding Figures

  1. Advanced Hip Twists

  2. Basic Movements: Open

  3. Closed Hip Twist

  4. Curl

  5. Fan

  6. Hockey Stick

  7. Open Hip Twist

  8. Opening Out From Reverse Top

  9. Progressive Walks Forward

  10. Spiral

  11. Spot or Switch Turn to L (Lady to R)

  12. Three Threes

Following Figures

  1. Basic Movements: Open

  2. Basic Movements: Closed

  3. Fan

  4. Opening Out To Right And Left (Lady LF side on 6)

  5. Hand To Hand RSP (when ending to side)

  6. Side Step To Left commenced with LF (when ending to side)

  7. Side Step To Right commenced with LF (when ending to side)

  8. Cuban Rock LF (when ending to side)

  9. Syncopated Cuban Rock LF (when ending to side)

  10. New York LSP (when ending diagonally fwd in Open CPP)

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

  12. Underarm Turn To L (when ending diagonally fwd in Open CPP)

  13. Natural Opening Out Movement (when ending Lady fwd toards Man's R side)

  14. Closed Hip Twist (when ending Lady fwd toards Man's R side)

  15. Spiral (when ending Lady fwd toards Man's R side)

  16. Rope Spinning (when ending Lady fwd toards Man's R side)

  17. Advanced Hip Twists (when ending fwd towards partner's R side)

  18. Continuous Hip Twists (when ending fwd towards partner's R side)

  19. Circular Hip Twists (when ending fwd towards partner's R side)

  20. Progressive Walks Forward in Right Shadow Position (when ending R Shadow Position)

  21. Sliding Doors (7-12, when ending R Shadow Position)