Bachata
S-Turn
Also known as: figure-S turn
One turn that changes its mind. The follow turns one way, then flows straight into turning the other — tracing an S on the floor. Looks advanced, leads like a conversation.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A continuous turn pattern: the lead sends the follow into an inside turn, then — without a full stop — reverses and sends her back the other way, so her path draws an S. It's the first time a beginner-turned-intermediate dancer links two turns into one flowing idea.
Key Points
- Lead: The secret is the change of direction — lead the first turn, then catch and redirect on the follow's collection point, not after she's stopped. One continuous lead, two curves.
- Follow: Stay light and don't fully settle between the two turns; spot each direction and let the lead redirect you mid-flow.
- Timing: First turn across 1-2-3, redirect on 4, second turn 5-6-7, resolve 8.
- Common mistake: A hard stop in the middle, so it reads as two separate turns. The S is one shape — keep her moving through the switch.
Style Notes
A connector and a flow lesson — it teaches linking turns without resetting, which is the gateway to longer turn patterns. Builds directly on the Right Turn (B013) and Left/Outside Turn (B014). Keep it smooth; the magic is in the seam.
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…
Learn these first
One way to flow
Go deeper with your coach
Own S-Turn, 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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