Bachata
Head Roll (Follow)
Also known as: Hair flick (the bigger version), cabeceo (informal) — flag: small vs full version
Small, slow, never neck-led. A controlled head roll carried by the follow's own neck and core — never pushed.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A follow-expressed styling moment where the upper body tilts to create a path and the head follows. The SAFE version is small and slow, the head never dropping back fast, carried entirely by the follow's own neck and core.
Key Points
- Lead: CRITICAL — never lead the head with the hands. Lead the upper-body tilt through the frame (a slight elbow lift creates space); the follow's own neck carries the head.
- Follow: Tilt the upper body to create the path; let the head follow with a strong neck and your own control. Keep it slow and prepared.
- Timing: Slow, over 2-4 counts; never whipped.
- Common mistake: A fast 360-degree neck rotation or dropping the head back without prep — high neck-injury risk.
Style Notes
SAFETY-CRITICAL. Teach only the small, slow, self-controlled version socially. The full head whip is a partner-only advanced trick.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Advanced
- Type
- Frame
- Style
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