Bachata
Rollaway / Gears
Also known as: Gears, counter-rotation
Lead and follow rotate in opposite directions at the same time, like two meshing gears — a core Moderna mechanic that opens a whole family of patterns.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A turning mechanic where the partners counter-rotate: as the follow turns one way the lead turns the other, the connection meshing them like gears. It is the building block behind many Moderna position changes and wraps.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead your own counter-rotation clearly so the follow can feel which way to go; keep the joined hand at a steady height.
- Follow: Turn on your own axis and let the opposing rotations stay connected rather than pulling apart.
- Timing: Over a 4-count.
- Common mistake: Both turning the same way, which collapses the 'gears' into a tangle.
Style Notes
A mechanic more than a trick — once it's smooth it unlocks rollouts, wraps and switches. Keep the rotations equal and opposite.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…
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