Salsa
Hammerlock Unwind
The escape hatch. Releases the folded arm by raising it and spinning the follow back to open.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
From a hammerlock, the lead raises the arm to release the fold and leads an inside (right) turn that spins the follow back to open, facing. The standard, safe exit from any hammerlock — returning the couple to HOME A.
Key Points
- Lead: Raise the arm fully before turning so the shoulder isn't jammed; fingertip control.
- Follow: Turn inside (right) to unwind to open facing; don't step back, turn in place.
- Timing: On1 unwind on 5-6-7; On2 on 2/6.
- Common mistake: Not raising the arm enough before turning (jams the shoulder); follow stepping back instead of turning.
Style Notes
Every hammerlock figure should be paired with this in your head. Often resolved with the lead's own left turn to tidy the frame.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
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- Intermediate
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