Why is it called the Half Wrap? Because there is a Full Wrap coming later! It is much easier to learn the Full Wrap in sections. Feeling comfortable with the Half Wrap first will mean it is smoother and simpler to extend the exit and build it into a Full Wrap in the next 6 months or so.
To begin this step we will be using the Underarm Turn from Level 1 Rumba and moving into a Hammerlock Position with our arms. This short video will explain more about the different arm and body positions that will come up throughout your Latin and Ballroom dancing.
The Leader’s Steps
In this video we are referring to the leader’s steps when we describe the gentlemen’s steps.
Keep your right hand lightly in contact with the underside of the follower’s left arm running your hand all the way down to catch the followers hand creating the Hammerlock. If you remove your hand completely the follower may turn too quickly for you to catch their hand meaning you will have to abort the Half Wrap and try again on the next Underarm Turn.
The Follower’s Steps
In this video we are referring to the follower’s steps when we describe the lady’s steps.
Now that we have so many Underarm Turn variations to play with it is important to be focused and attentive when we are lead into one. Wait for the signals and remember it’s called following for a reason; we are one step behind what the leaders are doing 😉
