Bachata
Copa
Also known as: Copa, cradle-into-copa (salsa-borrowed, close cousin of hammerlock)
A snappy wrap-and-unwind. A compact inside turn into a wrap, then re-led out — accent plus position change.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A snappy accent and position change: the lead leads the follow into a compact inside turn and a wrapped, hammerlock-like position, catches and frames, then re-leads her out. Often combined as a rotating cross-body plus copa.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead a compact inside turn, catch and frame, then re-lead her out; drive it with the body, not the arm.
- Follow: Tight inside turn, stay collected, and follow the re-lead.
- Timing: In over 1-2-3, out over 5-6-7.
- Common mistake: Too much arm and not enough body lead; follow anticipating the unwind.
Style Notes
Naming flag: salsa-borrowed and closely related to the hammerlock. A crisp accent that resets cleanly to open.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…
Learn these first
One way to flow
Go deeper with your coach
Own Copa, then make it yours
This page is free, always. Your online coach goes further on every move you own — styling that makes it look like you, variations to keep it fresh, and how to hit it on the music.
- Styling
- Variations
- Musicality