Closed Hip Twist

Rumba Closed Hip Twist

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. Normally ends in Fan Position.

• 2: LF to side in RSP | Slight body turn to R

  • Previous step: lead lady towards R side.

  • Turn frame to R, still a side step. Allow R hand/arm to slide down the lady's arm a little to give her more room for the turn and step. To the Lady, it appears Man in more "in front and left side, perpendicular" (vs. in Natural Opening Out or Opening Out to L and R, Man appears to be on the "side" of Lady.)

• 3: Transfer weight to RF

• 4 1: Close LF to RF | Very slight body turn to L

  • Switch weight on "1"

• 2: RF back | Slight body turn to L to normal position

• 3: Transfer weight to LF | No turn

• 4 1: RF to side in Fan Position

  • Man could do slight turn to L to get into Fan position.

Follower

• 2: RF back in RSP | 1/2 to R

  • Turn starts end of previous beat.

  • At previous beat: LF fwd in line with RF, keep RF behind, keep pressure on RF more, press into it. Body weight more fwd with Man, create push tension before the fast turn, RH pressure into Man's LH.

  • Turn shoulder first, then turn twist hip sharp for fast 1/2 turn to R, now RF is in front. RF is turned out, lift the heel up. Do not leave RF trailing during turn. RF and R leg should have nice long leg line. then place RF back.

  • "Give" Man right arm, keep tone in arm, energy forward.

• 3: Transfer weight to LF

  • "3 &", on "&" start turning 1/2 to L to face Man. Dance L hip fwd fully before turning.

  • Keep foot pressure on floor, track RF while turning. Turning shoulder/body first.

• 4 1: RF fwd in line with LF towards Man's R side | 1/2 to L

  • Pressed Forward Walk. Turn starts end of previous beat. RF in strong demi-pointe position, RF more cross in front of LF, LF needs to swivel more, Settle L hip more, make gap between knees bigger.

  • Option 1: "4 1 &", do not turn to R early, Hold on 1, straighten R leg with weight, then turn to R on "&".

  • Option 2: straighten and turn at the same time on "1" for more energy.

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

  • Turn starts end of previous beat. after turning, don't pause LF, place it and transfer weight

  • Turn is initiated from hips. Hips turn more than body.

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

  • RF step fwd, really wrap R arm around belly tight, do not turn body too early. Then sharp 1/2 turn. Forward Walk Turn. Do not let body weight take over.

  • After turning, there is still weight on LF (LF in front after turning), body weight fwd, keep tone/tension in RH with Man, before stepping LF back on "4".

• 4 1: LF back in Fan Position | body completes turn

  • Release L leg and step back ahead of body. Backward walk action.

  • Fan position is a picture pose position. Give it some "significance" with more arm styling. Start from LH in middle of torso, then elbow-wrist-hand extend out. Body turns to left in the direction of the hand, do not tilt shoulders. Look at your audience, along the L arm.

Note:

• Alternative Finishing Positions:

  • Open Position: Man turn 1/4 L over 5 & 6

  • Open CPP:

    • Man turn 1/8 L over 5 & 6, leading lady to overturn on 5, both taking 6 diag. fwd.

    • Lady turns an additional 1/8 L on 5 using loosely crossed spiral action.

  • Contact Position:

    • Man turn 1/2 L over 5 & 6 to end RF side and slightly fwd.

    • Lady 3/4 L over 5 & 6 to end LF behind RF as Cuban Cross.

    • Normal hold retained throughout.

Preceding Figures

1. Alemana

2. Hand To Hand RSP

3. Natural Top

4. New York LSP

5. Opening Out To Right And Left

6. Progressive Walks Forward in RSP

7. Progressive Walks Forward in Right Shadow Position

8. Rope Spinning

9. Shoulder To Shoulder Left Side

10. Three Alemanas

Following Figures

1. Alemana (when ending in Fan position; or when ending in Open Position)

2. Hockey Stick (when ending in Fan position)

3. Sliding Doors (when ending in Fan position)

4. Fencing (when ending in Fan position)

5. Three Alemanas (when ending in Fan or Open position)

6. Basic Movements: Open (when ending Open Position; or 1-3 Open Basic into Progressive Walks Back or Natural Top, when Closed Hip Twist ends in Open Position)

7. Open Hip Twist (when ending in Open Position)

8. Curl (when ending in Open Position)

9. Three Threes (when ending in Open position)

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

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

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

13. Reverse Top (4-6 or 4-9 when ending in Contact Position)