Salsa
Directo
Straight across. A direct cross that swaps places without the usual circular casino path.
What This Move Is
Directo = "direct." The lead sends the follow straight across the slot to swap places, cutting a direct line instead of the curving, circular path most casino changes take. The L-to-R hand stays joined as the two trade spots and turn to face again. It is a clean, economical place-change — the shortest route between the two positions.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead a straight cross down the line of the slot, not a circle; step off the path on 1 and give the follow a clear, direct lane across.
- Follow: Travel straight across on 1-2-3 rather than curving around — walk the line, then turn to face on 5-6-7.
- Timing: Cross on 1-2-3, turn and face on 5-6-7; one 8-count.
- Common mistake: Curving the path like a normal change so it stops being "direct," or the lead failing to clear the lane and colliding with the follow.
Style Notes
A common casino beginner call that teaches the straight-line alternative to the circular position change — quick, tidy, and easy to chain back into the basic.
A video walkthrough for this move is on the way.
- Musical use
- Filler
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Position Changes
- Frame
- Open
- Style
- Cuban
Chains into
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