Arch

Type    Lead Turn
Level     Level 1 Beginner
Other Names   Lead’s Underarm Turn, Lace (usually done over one partner’s head then the other)
Comes From    Open Position, Loop, Belt Loop, Inside Turn, Straight Jacket Twist
Leads To    Open Position, Open Facing R-to-R,  Loop, Belt Loop, Lasso

Description

Sometimes Leaders want to turn too! If that’s the case for you, then this is perfect! It’s essentially an Outside Turn that is lead and performed by the Leader.

Lead

From Butterfly (Open Position):

  1. Set up the momentum of this move with a rock step and some arm tension. The next count after the rock step will be count 1.
    1. The arm tension is critical to give the follow momentum to step forward past your side.
  2. On count 1, step forward with your left foot, bring your right hand out to the side (low), and left hand over your own head (high).
  3. On the counts & 2, let go of your right hand and pass under your left arm. Turn 180-degrees by stepping R then L around to face your partner again in Open Facing Position. 

From the Inside Turn, this is an alternative recovery if you miss the footwork and end up far away from your partner:

  1. Bring your left hand high, and step toward that arch with your left foot on beat 1 (angling yourself toward the arch, and bringing your hand over your own head gives the indication that the turn is not for the follow). 
  2. On the counts & 2, pass under your left arm. Turn and step R then L around to face your partner again. 

Follow

This move is preceded with a rock step. The next step will be count 1.

  1. From the rock step you will already feel like you should move forward, and you will… On count 1, the lead will initiate his turn by bringing his hand over his own head. Step forward on your right foot.
  2. On the next counts (& 2) you will cross over and turn 180-degrees to face your lead in Open Facing Position.

Tips

  • Leads, bringing that right hand over your own head, or rotating yourself toward your arch is a clear indication that the turn is for the lead and not the follow.
  • Keep a loose fingers in fingers hand-connection as you turn so your hand can turn in your partner’s hand freely.

Variations

  •  The lead may switch hands during the Arch to get into Open Facing R-to-R.

13 thoughts on “Arch”

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