Madrid Step (Dominican Swivel)

A variation of the side basic where you turn the step onto a diagonal and add a swivel of the feet and hips, rather than stepping flat to the side. The supporting foot swivels as the body angles, so the basic travels on a slight diagonal with a relaxed, grooved hip action. Widely taught as the 'Madrid' or 'Dominican' step, it is the bridge between a plain basic and true Dominican footwork.

• Lead: Angle the basic onto the diagonal from your body; keep the frame calm so the follow reads the new direction, not a yank.
• Follow: Let the supporting foot swivel as you step the diagonal; keep the knees soft and the hips loose so the swivel grooves rather than forces.
• Timing: Same 1-2-3-tap(4), 5-6-7-tap(8) as the basic, with the swivel happening on the steps as you angle.
• Common mistake: Stepping flat and just rotating the shoulders — the flavour comes from the feet swiveling and the diagonal travel, not from twisting the upper body.

This is the first taste of the grounded Dominican groove. Keep it small and relaxed; the swivel is a feel, not a trick. Once it is comfortable, it colours every basic you dance.