Salsa
Inside Turn (Open Position)
A travelling left turn. The follow does a cross-body and spins toward the lead one-and-a-half times.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
The dominant salsa definition of an inside turn: the lead uses the left hand on the follow's right, leads her forward down the slot, and raises to spin her counter-clockwise (toward him) about one-and-a-half rotations, ending re-facing up the slot. It travels — unlike the in-place lady's left turn.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead forward down the slot first, then up to turn — don't lead sideways.
- Follow: Travel the line, then rotate left about 1.5 times; don't turn in place.
- Timing: On1 prep on 5, resolve on 7. On2 prep on 2/6, resolve on 5.
- Common mistake: Lead leading sideways instead of forward-down-slot; follow turning in place instead of travelling.
Style Notes
Inside = toward the lead = left/counter-clockwise. The travelling cousin of the basic left turn and a key Turns-cluster connector.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
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- Frame
- Style
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Own Inside Turn (Open Position), 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.
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