Bachata

Travelling / Barrel Turn

BachataAdvancedtravellingModernconnector

Walk a wide arc together. A curved walk-around turn that repositions both partners across the floor.

Also known as: Barrel turn (salsa-borrowed name), walk-around turn — flag contested

This move builds: Comfort …on the always-on four — Connection, Frame, Comfort, Posture.

Tutorial by The Dance DojoWatch on YouTube ↗
Entry
open two-hand
Exit
open L-to-R
Tempo
medium
Musical use
travelling
Connector
Yes — connects open two-hand → open L-to-R vocabulary
Level
Advanced
Cluster
travelling
Style
Modern

What This Move Is

A wide, curved walk-around where the follow (or both partners) travels around an arc across the floor, often resolving into a hammerlock. The 'barrel turn' name is borrowed from salsa and is used loosely in bachata.

Key Points

  • Lead: Lead a wide curved walk so the follow travels around an arc; you can also walk around her.
  • Follow: Keep your thighs together and travel on the curve while spotting; stay on axis.
  • Timing: Spans a full 8 or more.
  • Common mistake: Losing the circular path, or the follow opening her legs and drifting off-axis.

Style Notes

Naming flag: borrowed term. A big travelling move for an open stretch of floor; frequently feeds straight into a hammerlock.

Chains into

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