Bachata
Back / Shadow Hammerlock
Also known as: shadow hammerlock (back/shadow used interchangeably — flag)
The hammerlock, but you're both facing the same way. The familiar folded-arm shape led from shadow — closer, more sensual, and a gateway to a whole shadow-side vocabulary.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A hammerlock taken into shadow: the follow's arm folds behind as usual, but the lead brings her to face the same direction as him, ending in a close shadow connection. It's where the open-hold wrap vocabulary meets the sensual shadow world.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead the fold gently and keep guiding her around until you're both facing out — the hammerlock is the hinge, the shadow is the destination. Mind her shoulder; never crank the arm.
- Follow: Let the arm fold without resistance and keep travelling around to the shadow facing. Stay tall; the close position is connection, not collapse.
- Timing: Fold across 1-2-3, settle into shadow on 4.
- Common mistake: Stopping at the hammerlock instead of carrying through to shadow. This move is the journey into shadow — keep her moving to the new facing.
Style Notes
Builds on the I1 Hammerlock (B022) and opens the shadow cluster. Flag for students: "back" and "shadow" hammerlock name the same thing. Lovely on a building passage — it brings the couple close right before the music lifts.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Frame
- Style
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