Rolling Off the Arm

Samba Rolling Off the Arm

The Samba Rolling Off the Arm is a 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 Right Side Position with double hand hold, Man's R arm behind Lady's back at waist level. Lady's arms crossed in front of body. There is no bounce.

Leader

  • 1: LF to side | BF

    • Man is doing a whisk action. Because of the timing change, there is no bounce.

    • Release hold with LH, pull R hand, then extend R arm to R side at waist level for steps 1-2-3.

  • 2: RF behind LF with partial weight (cuban cross) | B

    • Part weight is taken onto the foot, so footwork is B (instead of T as in Whisk).

  • 3: take minimal weight to RF and replace weight to LF | BF

  • 1: RF to side | BF

    • Small step for whisk action.

    • Keep R arm at center.

    • Return R arm to starting position and take double hand hold again.

  • 2: LF behind RF with partial weight (cuban cross) | B

  • 3; take minimal weight to LF and replace weight to RF | BF

Follower

  • 1: RF fwd (after turning 1/4 to R) | 1/4 to R | BF, then turn on B of RF (foot flat)

    • Lady starts with arms across in front of body (R arm on top). RSP.

    • Even though the movement is "RF fwd", it happens after turning 1/4 to R, so the step is to the side of Man.

    • Full weight on RF, everything lines up to be the vertical axis for an effective turn.

    • Key is to travel as little as possible, take very small steps.

  • 2: Close LF to RF | 1/4 to R between 1 and 2 | B

  • 3: RF to side and close LF to RF without weight in RSP. L knee veers inwards | 1/2 to R between steps 2 and 2 | BF, I/E of B, LF

    • Very small step to the side.

    • Styling option: R arm up high on the side (L hip high, R side more straight line), or R arm to the side, both knees bent, R hip high.

  • 1: LF fwd (after turning 1/4 to L) | 1/4 to L between 3 and 4 | BF, then turn on B of LF (foot flat)

  • 2: Closed RF to LF | 1/4 to L between 4 and 5 | B

  • 3: LF to side and close RF to LF without weight in RSP. R knee veers inwards | 1/4 to L between 5 and 6 | BF, I/E if B, RF

Notes on Ending Positions:

    • Closed Position to follow with a Whisk to L

      • Man: turn 1/4 R over 4-6 to face wall, continue to turn Lady L on step 6, releasing R to L hand hold, keep RH lightly in contact with Lady as she turns within the circle of R arm. Regain normal hold in Closed Position at the end of Lady's turn.

      • Lady: continue to turn an extra 1/4 to L on LF on step 6 to end with LF in front of RF in Cuban Cross position.

    • Closed Position to follow with a Reverse Turn

      • Man: lead Lady to turn L and to move well fwd on step 4, then continue to turn Lady strongly to L over step 5 and 6, releasing R to L hand hold, keep RH lightly in contact with Lady as she turns within the circle of R arm. Regain normal hold in Closed Position at end of Lady's turn.

      • Lady:

        • Step 4: LF fwd (1/8 L)

        • Step 5: RF side having turned 3/8 L

        • Step 6: LF side in front of Man, having turned 1/2 to L, then continue to turn an extra 1/2 to L on LF to end with LF in front of RF in Cuban Cross Position.

    • Right Shadow Position:

Preceding Figures

  1. Criss Cross Bota Fogos (Shadow Bota Fogos)

  2. Criss Cross Voltas

  3. Natural Basic Movement

  4. Reverse Basic Movement

  5. Side Basic Movement

Following Figures

  1. Samba Walk in PP: LF

  2. Whisk To Left (when finished with Closed Position)

  3. Reverse Turn (when finished with Closed Position)

  4. Foot Change 8: Right Side Position to Right Shadow Position