Salsa
Figure-Eight (Ochos)
Also known as: Ochos, figure eights
A flowing figure-eight: the leader traces a sideways eight with the joined hands while the follower swivels and steps the curving path, the body drawing a smooth loop on each side.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A styling-rich pattern where the follower's travel curves into a figure-eight shape — two linked arcs — led from the hands. Borrowed in feel from the ocho footwork of other Latin dances, it adds curve and swivel to an otherwise straight line.
Lead & Follow It
The leader keeps the joined hands tracing a continuous, even loop so the follower can read the curve. The follower swivels on the balls of the feet and lets the hips draw the eight, staying relaxed through the waist.
How It Connects
It enters and exits from open position and pairs well with turns; use it to bring curve and body movement into a run that has gone too linear.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
Layer this onto any move.
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Own Figure-Eight (Ochos), 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
- Variations
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