Salsa
Cross-Body Lead into Hammerlock
Travel and trap. A cross-body inside turn that folds the follow's arm into a hammerlock as she lands.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A cross-body lead with an inside turn added, where the lead keeps the follow's left arm straight so that the turn naturally folds it behind her back into a single hammerlock as she arrives at the far end of the slot. Combines a position-change and a slot-change in one figure.
Key Points
- Lead: Keep the arm straight and control the fold with the fingertips — never force the arm behind her back.
- Follow: Travel and turn; let the arm fold without resisting, keep the connection soft.
- Timing: On1 CBL 1-2-3, cross/turn/fold 5-6-7. On2 the same on 2 & 6.
- Common mistake: Rushing the cross so the turn and arm-fold don't sync, jamming the shoulder; lead stepping out of the slot.
Style Notes
Resolves via a hammerlock unwind back to HOME A, or into a double hammerlock for more texture. Sometimes loosely called a "pretzel" — flag the naming locally.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Frame
- Style
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