Use brief, light upper-arm contact to reconnect after a completed follower turn.
Salsa Dancing - Elbow Catch & Pass Behind The Back (Intermediate Level)
DrDanceRight · 1 of 3
Description
Use brief, light upper-arm contact to reconnect after a completed follower turn.
Use On1 timing: six regular weight changes on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 unless an explicitly counted spin recovery, syncopation or held accent is described. Rotation without a step does not add a weight transfer.
Do not clamp the elbow or force an immediate reverse spin. This catalogue uses the title for the particular practice version described here; naming and sequences vary between schools.
Instructions
Lead
1
Beat 1: Step left forward with weight.
2
Beat 2: Replace weight onto right.
3
Beat 3: Close left underneath you with weight. Prepare the follower clockwise turn.
5
Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Beat 5: Step right back with weight.
7
Beat 6: Replace weight onto left.
8
Beat 7: Close right underneath you with weight. After the turn finishes, receive the outside of the upper arm above the elbow with an open palm, then offer your hand.
9
Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
Follow
1
Beat 1: Step right back with weight.
2
Beat 2: Replace weight onto left.
3
Beat 3: Close right underneath you with weight.
5
Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Beat 5: Step left forward with weight and begin turning clockwise under the arch.
7
Beat 6: Step right around with weight, continuing clockwise.
8
Beat 7: Step left underneath you with weight to finish facing your partner. Keep the elbow soft for the brief contact.
9
Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
Lead Direction
Contact follows the completed rotation; it is not a brake applied to the elbow joint.
Tips
Do not clamp the elbow or force an immediate reverse spin.
Practice slowly with small steps and keep your own supporting balance.
Common Mistakes
Holding fingers tightly so the connection cannot swivel or release.
Continuing a turn after losing the shared rhythm or your own balance.
