Salsa
Suzy Q
The first shine. A swiveling cross-touch step that travels sideways — every dancer's entry into solo footwork.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
The Suzy Q (Susie Q) is a twisting step where heels and toes alternately pivot while the feet travel sideways, one foot crossing over the other with a touch on each cross. The most common entry-level shine, with many variations (Long Suzy Q, In-and-Out, Suzy with mambo taps).
Key Points
- Lead/Follow (solo): Swivel on the balls of the feet, cross-touch, repeat — commit your weight and let the knees and hips twist.
- Timing: On2 ladies cross-step over 5-6-7 (start R on 1); On1 mirror it (start L on 5, cross over 1-2-3). Accents fall between the main beats.
- Common mistake: Not committing weight or twisting the knees/hips, so it looks flat-footed.
Style Notes
A shine is danced apart, with no partner contact. Re-collect afterward with any move that enters from open, none. Keep it playful and shuffling.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
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Own Suzy Q, 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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