Bachata
Cross-Hand Hold
Also known as: cross-arm hold, crossed-hands position
Hands crossed, ready to unwind. A two-hand hold with the arms crossed — a coiled-spring frame that sets up turns and pretzels down the line.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
From an open two-hand hold, the lead takes the hands into a crossed position — right-to-right over (or under) left-to-left. On its own it's quiet; its value is that it's the loaded entry for cross-arm turns and pretzel-style figures, where the crossed arms unwind into the turn.
Key Points
- Lead: Cross the hands smoothly on a tap so it doesn't feel like a tug. Keep enough slack that the arms can unwind later without trapping her.
- Follow: Let the hands cross without resisting; keep your frame even so you can read which way the unwind will send you.
- Timing: Establish the cross on a tap; the basic continues underneath.
- Common mistake: Crossing so tightly there's no room to unwind. The cross is a setup — leave it loose enough to open.
Style Notes
This documents the cross-hand entry slot, which the I2 Cross-Arm Turn (B054) needs. Think of it like the Two-Hand Hold (B056) with a twist — a position, not a flourish, that unlocks the crossed-arm family.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
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