Open Rocks
Samba Open Rocks
The Samba Open Rocks is 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.
This figure starts in Closed Position. There is no Bounce action.
Leader
S: RF fwd | No turn | BF
Increase tone in arms and turn Lady to R, then release L to R hand hold.
Q: LF fwd, small step. | BF
Q: Replace weight to RF, toe slightly turned out | B
Start turning Lady to L.
S: LF fwd | BF
With RH turn Lady L and place L hand on her back, then release hold with R hand.
Q: RF fwd, small step | BF
Q: Replace weight to LF, toe slightly turned out | B
Start turning Lady to R
S: RF fwd | BF
With L hand turn lady to R, place RH on her back, then release hold with L hand.
Q: LF fwd, small step | BF
Q: Replace weight to RF, toe slightly turned out. | B
Start turning Lady to L.
Follower
S: LF back | 1/8 to R | BF
Respond to Man's increased tone in arm.
(Depending on preceding figure, this step could be a forward step.)
Traveling down LOD. LF direction is BDW
Body turns first, then hip, longer hold, resist moving foot, delay moving RF (next step) to make turn look sharper.
Close hold before opening next.
Q: RF back at 90 degree to Man on his R side. Small step, toe turned out. | 1/8 to R between step 1 and 2 | B
Sharp turn to R. Keep knees together, imagine using foot to kick skirt off (styling: a small ronde). Do not cross RF too far back, need to keep weight forward.
LF remains at same position, while RF and body continue to turn R.
Lady's knee straightens and her R heel lowers towards the floor (may lightly touch the floor, but mostly heel stays up). Part weight, never full weight. Spine is mostly on the front foot (LF).
Looking forward down the direction of travel (not to Man)
Q: Replace weight to LF. | start turning L | BF
Looking forward down the direction of travel (not to Man). Then start turning L.
Start turning body first, foot resist and sharp action to turn and step almost diagonally back with RF (next step).
Resist moving RF too early.
S: RF back and slightly to side | 1/4 to L between steps 3 and 4. | BF
1/4 is measured between the feet.
RF is stepping BDC direction.
Lady places her RH on Man's L shoulder, closed hold first, strong sturdy connection with Man, then immediately releasing L hand contact.
Q: LF back at a 90 degree angle to Man on his L side. Small step, toe turned out. | 1/8 to L between steps 4 and 5. | B
Lady's knee straightens and her heel lowers towards the floor (may lightly touch the floor).
Q: Replace weight to RF | start turning R | BF
S: LF back and slightly to side | 1/4 to R between steps 6 and 7 | BF
Lady places her LH on Man's R shoulder, immediately releasing RH contact.
Q: RF back at 90 to Man on his R side. Small step, toe turned out | 1/8 to R between steps 7 and 8 | B
Q: Replace weight to LF | start turning L. | BF
First step of following figure is back and slightly to side.
Preceding Figures
Following figures
Reverse Turn (Man 1/8 to L, Lady 1/4, regain normal hold)
Man changes his hand shape (his LH horizontal to ground) to indicate changing to next figure and not continuing with the rocks.
Natural Roll (after steps 1-6 of Open Rocks, Man 1/8 R, Lady 1/4.)
Promenade And Counter Promenade Runs (starting with 7-9, continuing with 4-9.)