Bachata
Hand Change Behind the Back
Also known as: behind-the-back change, the switch
A quiet bit of sleight of hand. The lead passes the connected hand behind his own back to swap sides — smooth, subtle, and a great setup for what comes next.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
The lead takes the connected hand behind his own back and brings it out the other side, changing which hands are joined without ever turning the follow. It's a small dexterity move — pure setup — that lets you reset the connection and flow into a different turn.
Key Points
- Lead: Keep the follow's basic undisturbed — this is your hand travelling, not a lead on her. Pass the hand low and behind your waist on a tap.
- Follow: Keep dancing the basic; you may feel the hand reset but you don't move for it. Stay light so the pass is easy.
- Timing: Pass on the tap (4 or 8); the new connection is live by the next 1.
- Common mistake: The lead contorting and losing the beat. If it's fighting you, slow it down and keep the basic going underneath.
Style Notes
A connector that simply re-routes the hands — handy glue between turns. Reads as smooth and confident when it's quiet. Builds straight on the Hand-to-Hand Change (B043).
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…
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Own Hand Change Behind the Back, 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
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