Salsa MovesLibrary

Octopus

Level: advancedStyle: laRole: bothType: wrap
Also known as: Octopus Practice

Summary

Thread alternating overhead hand arches as a slow two-part partner exchange.

Octopus salsa move (la, advanced)

Salsa. Octopus

Jerry Ziffer · 1 of 1

Description

Thread alternating overhead hand arches as a slow two-part partner exchange.

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.

Octopus is used for different partner threads; this page defines a release-friendly salsa practice sequence. This catalogue uses the title for the particular practice version described here; naming and sequences vary between schools.

Instructions

Lead

1
Phrase 1, Beat 1: Step left in place with weight.
2
Phrase 1, Beat 2: Step right in place with weight.
3
Phrase 1, Beat 3: Step left in place with weight. Raise one roomy arch in two-hand hold.
5
Phrase 1, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Phrase 1, Beat 5: Step right in place with weight. Invite the follower clockwise turn; release the low hand if it binds.
7
Phrase 1, Beat 6: Step left in place with weight.
8
Phrase 1, Beat 7: Step right in place with weight.
9
Phrase 1, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
10
Phrase 2, Beat 1: Step left with weight into your counterclockwise turn beneath the available arch; reconnect comfortably first.
11
Phrase 2, Beat 2: Step right around with weight, letting the fingers swivel.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Step left with weight to finish threading; release if it binds.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step right with weight toward your partner.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step left with weight, unwinding any remaining crossing.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Step right with weight to face your partner.
17
Phrase 2, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.

Follow

1
Phrase 1, Beat 1: Step right back with weight.
2
Phrase 1, Beat 2: Replace weight onto left.
3
Phrase 1, Beat 3: Close right underneath you with weight.
5
Phrase 1, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
6
Phrase 1, Beat 5: Step left forward with weight and begin turning clockwise under the arch.
7
Phrase 1, Beat 6: Step right around with weight, continuing clockwise.
8
Phrase 1, Beat 7: Step left underneath you with weight to finish facing your partner.
9
Phrase 1, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.
10
Phrase 2, Beat 1: Step right in place with weight. Give the leader space to thread.
11
Phrase 2, Beat 2: Step left in place with weight.
12
Phrase 2, Beat 3: Step right in place with weight.
13
Phrase 2, Beat 4: Pause without an extra step; allow rotation to settle.
14
Phrase 2, Beat 5: Step left in place with weight.
15
Phrase 2, Beat 6: Step right in place with weight.
16
Phrase 2, Beat 7: Step left in place with weight. Release any awkward remaining connection.
17
Phrase 2, Beat 8: Pause without an extra step; keep your balance for the next 1.

Lead Direction

Thread one partner at a time, giving each arm its own unobstructed pathway.

Tips

  • Octopus is used for different partner threads; this page defines a release-friendly salsa practice sequence.
  • 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.
Octopus – Salsa Steps, Tips & Common Mistakes | Salsa Moves