Bachata

Cross-Body Lead

BachataIntermediatetravellingModernconnector

She goes around, the picture changes. The central travelling figure that swaps the couple's sides of the slot.

Also known as: Lady goes around, 'she goes around', cambio de lado

This move builds: Comfort …on the always-on four — Connection, Frame, Comfort, Posture.

Tutorial by Bachata Dance AcademyWatch on YouTube ↗
Entry
open L-to-R
Exit
open L-to-R
Tempo
any
Musical use
travelling
Connector
Yes — connects open L-to-R → open L-to-R vocabulary
Level
Intermediate
Cluster
travelling
Style
Modern

What This Move Is

The prototypical travelling and position-change device: the lead steps off the line of dance to open a path, the follow walks across the slot to the other side, and the lead closes. It resets the slot and sets up turns, shadow, copa, and more.

Key Points

  • Lead: Step off the line to open the path, lead the follow across the slot, then close and quarter-turn to re-face.
  • Follow: Walk straight across the lead's front on the travelling counts; do not curve.
  • Timing: Open on 1, follow crosses 2-3, lead closes on 4; mirror 5-6-7-8.
  • Common mistake: Lead not clearing the slot (collision), or follow curving instead of walking straight.

Style Notes

The single most important CONNECTOR in the dance — it links the open, travelling, wrap, and sensual clusters. Combine with a turn ('cross-body with inside turn') for variety.

Chains into

After this, you can flow into…

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One way to flow