Salsa
Copa (Shoulder Check / Peek-a-Boo)
Catch and release. Send the follow out, stop her with a check, let her peek back, then send her on — often into an inside turn.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
An open break for momentum, then the lead "checks" (blocks and reverses) the follow at the shoulder or hand on count 3, drawing her perpendicular into the slot beside or in front of him; she looks back over her shoulder (the "peek"), and he sends her back out — frequently into an inside turn. Known by many names: copa, shoulder check, peek-a-boo, in-and-out, sliding doors.
Key Points
- Lead: Build momentum with the open break first, then catch on 3 — don't yank her in cold.
- Follow: Stride forward, feel the check, pause for the peek, then reverse and travel back out.
- Timing: On1 open break 1-2-3, catch on 3, out 5-6-7. On2 the same on 2/6.
- Common mistake: No clear check (she keeps travelling), or a check so hard it jolts her; over-rotating past perpendicular.
Style Notes
One of the most musical figures in linear salsa — the catch lands hard on a break in the music, and the "peek" reads as playful. Origin traced to the Copacabana / Hustle's "Left Check."
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Level
- Intermediate
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- Style
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