Salsa
Suave
Also known as: Smooth cross-body
A cross-body lead taken slow and silky — the leader checks the follower's momentum and lets her glide across the slot, turning a plain pattern into a smooth, controlled showpiece.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A styled variation of the cross-body lead that trades speed for smoothness. The leader gently checks and stretches the follower's travel so the cross-body unfolds slowly and elegantly, used to settle into a calmer part of the music.
Lead & Follow It
The leader leads with a soft, sustained tone in the arm and never rushes the cross. The follower matches that smoothness, staying connected and stretching the step rather than hurrying through it.
How It Connects
It is a cross-body lead at heart, so it links into any line pattern; use it to change pace, then accelerate back into turns when the song lifts.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
Layer this onto any move.
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Go deeper with your coach
Own Suave, 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
- Musicality