Spiral

Rumba Spiral Turn

Spiral Turn is a Silver Level figures. 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.

    • It is danced by the Lady and is a turn made on RF turning L or on LF turning R, allowing the other foot to cross in front without weight.

    • Normally a spiral turn will end with ankles crossed although the cross in the Curl is looser.

Leader

Commence in Closed Position

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

    • Start like Closed Hip Twist.

    • Increase tone and lower L arm to R at chest level. Widen R arm in hold to R side

  • 3: Transfer weight to RF

    • Retain tone in arms

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

    • Return arms to normal position and raise L hand above Lady's R shoulder to circle counterclock wise.

    • If preferred, Man can keep his fingers lightly in contact with Lady's waist as she dances her spiral turn.

  • 2: RF back

    • L arm to L side lowering L hand to waist level

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF | 1/8 to L over step 5 and 6

    • Increase tone in L arm

  • 4 1: RF to side in Fan Position

    • Slightly extend L arm L hand still.

    • Could do either Aida ending or ending in Fan Position.

Follower

  • 2: RF back in RSP | 1/2 to R

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF

    • Need to dance L hip more forward, don't be afraid to go forward, before rotating.

  • 4 1: RF fwd and slightly across LF in front of Man, then turn underarm, allowing LF to cross in front without weight (Spiral Turn) | 1/4 to L, then a further 7/8 spiral turn

    • Lady can use extended forward walk.

    • Just turn 1/4 to L first, RF fwd, then spiral in front of Man

    • Turn is made on ball of RF with foot flat (T of LF) after getting full weight onto RF.

    • Turn could also be made on the R toe with heel well off the floor. (High Spiral)

    • At end of 1, make sure to settle R hip before stepping next step (shouldn't fall into next step.)

    • L arm elbow do not drop down, keep it up horizontal to keep volume/space.

    • L arm in front, keep volume.

  • 2: LF fwd | 1/8 to L

  • 3: RF fwd and slightly across, then turn to end RF back | 1/8 to L, then a further 1/2 Body turns less

    • Aida ending: RF fwd in line with LF, then 1/2 turn to L to end RF back in LSP.

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

    • Aida ending: LF back in LSP.

Note:

Alternatives:

  • Underturned Spiral Turn:

    • Man: turn 1/8 L over step 5 and 6 to end in Open Position with RF fwd.

    • Lady 3/4 L after she has placed step 3. End in Tandem Position with Man; Lady LF fwd,; RF fwd in line with LF, then turn 1/2 to end with RF back; then LF back.

  • Ending in Open Position:

    • Man turn 3/8 to L over step 5 and 6.

  • Ending in Open CPP.

  • End in Contact Position: Closed Spiral

    • Man turn 5/8 to L over step 5 and 6 to Contact Position, to end RF side and slightly fwd, overturning Lady, keeping fingers lightly in contact with Lady's waist throughout as she turns within the circle of his R arm. On step 4, lower arms to normal position.

    • Lady: make a complete turn L over step 4 to 6 to end LF behind RF as Cuban Cross

Preceding Figures

  1. Aida

  2. Alemana

  3. Hand To Hand RSP

  4. Natural Top

  5. Opening Out To Right And Left

  6. Progressive Walks Forward in Right Shadow Position

  7. Reverse Top

  8. Rope Spinning

  9. Sliding Doors

  10. Three Alemanas

Following Figures

  1. Alemana (normal; or When finished in Open Position)

  2. Hockey Stick

  3. Sliding Doors

  4. Fencing

  5. Three Alemanas (normal; or When finished in Open Position)

  6. Basic Movements: Open (When finished in Open Position, follow with Open Basic, or 1-3 Open Basic into Progressive Walks Back or Natural Top)

  7. Open Hip Twist (When finished in Open Position)

  8. Curl (When finished in Open Position)

  9. Three Threes (When finished in Open Position)

  10. New York LSP (When finished in Open CPP)

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

  12. Underarm Turn To L (When finished in Open CPP)

  13. Reverse Top (When finished in Contact Position, follow with 4-6 or 4-9 Reverse Top.)