Plait

Samba Plait

The Samba Plait 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 can start either in Closed Position or Open Position Man's LH to Lady's RH hold.

Leader

  • S: RF back, with part weight | 1/8 to L | BF, then swivel

    • L knee is firmly straightened at 2nd half of preceding step, causing L hip to move back and to L, then RF is placed back with kneed flexed.

    • This step is slightly larger to create space with Lady.

    • Man pulls Lady a bit.

    • Plait has Merengue action.

  • S: Taking full weight to RF, LF back, small step, with part weight | No turn | BF, then swivel

    • Man pushes the Lady.

    • R knee is firmly straightened at 2nd half of preceding step , causing R hip to move back and to R, then LF is placed back with kneed flexed.

  • Q: Taking full weight to LF, RF back, small step, with part weight | No turn | BF, then swivel

  • Q: Taking full weight to RF, LF back, small step, with part weight | o turn | BF, then swivel

  • S: Taking full weight to LF, RF back, small step, with part weight | No turn | BF, then swivel

    • The figure can be repeated starting with LF.

    • Lower heel and take full weight on to foot when starting first step of following figure.

Follower

  • S: Swivel to L on RF and LF fwd, small step | 1/4 to L | B

    • Swiveling happens on the 2nd half of preceding step. LF fwd, knee straight.

    • Collecting L toe to instep of RF, pick up R heel, and then swivel

    • Center collected, but feeling slightly leaning back

  • S: Swivel to R on LF and RF fwd, small step, having brushed LF | 1/4 to R | B

    • Swiveling happens on the 2nd half of preceding step. RF fwd, knee straight.

    • Knee is slightly flexed as foot tracks under body passing the other foot.

    • Turn is initiated in the feet which are parallel throughout.

    • There is no turn in upper body. Shoulder remain square to partner. Maintain upright position.

  • Q: Swivel to LF on RF and LF fwd, small step, having brushed RF | 1/4 to L | B

  • Q: Swivel to R on LF and RF fwd, small step, having brushed LF | 1/4 to R | B

  • S: Swivel to LF on RF and LF fwd, small step, having brushed RF.| 1/4 to L | B

    • BF if figure is not repeated. If preferred, heel may lightly touch the floor on each step.

Note:

  • If figure is repeated, it may gradually curve 1/4 left around a corner.

Preceding Figures

  1. Back Rocks

  2. Maypole

  3. Natural Basic Movement

  4. Natural Roll

  5. Reverse Basic Movement

  6. Reverse Roll

  7. Reverse Turn

  8. Side Basic Movement

Following Figures

  1. Reverse Basic Movement (when Plait ends with LF, follow with 4-6 of Reverse Basic Movement)

  2. Reverse Turn (when Plait ends with LF, follow with 4-6 of Reverse Turn)

  3. Reverse Roll (when Plait ends with LF, follow with, 4-6 of Reverse Roll)

  4. Natural Basic Movement (when Plait ends with RF, follow with 4-6 of Natural Basic Movement)

  5. Natural Roll (when Plait ends with RF, follow with 4-6 of Natural Roll)