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Is It A Cross Body, Turning Basic, or Left Pass?

by Sandi & Dan Finch

We have three similar figures in Bolero, all turning left-face and used to dance the lady from facing one direction to facing the opposite direction. They all begin with lead feet and all turn the couple one-half; all use Bolero technique. So, what is the difference between the cross body, the turning basic, and the left pass?

Cross body in Bolero is not the same cross body as in Rumba, the difference being the number of measures each requires and the timing. In Rumba, with QQS QQS timing, the cross body starts like a half basic except Man steps forward left, recovers, then turns and steps side. then Man steps back to start the second measure as his partner moves across in front of him to face the opposite direction. In Bolero, it is a one-measure figure, danced SQQ. The couple can begin in semi-closed, butterfly or left open facing with lead feet free. He steps side and back turning left face as Lady steps side and forward right to an “L” position. His second step is back right with a slipping action and she steps forward left turning one-half to face him. His third step is forward left completing the half turn as she steps back or side right.

Left pass is a more dramatic figure, beginning from left open facing position. According to the RAL Manual, Man steps side and forward left turning a little right face, lowering their lead hands to lead lady to step forward and side right turning sharply one-quarter right face to wrap into his left arm, almost like an embrace. She can look at him, in that loving bolero way, as he steps back on his right foot turning to face line and center. This causes her to step side and forward turning left face almost to closed position. He continues turning to face center and she steps back right.

Turning basic begins in closed position and has a slipping action to turn the couple one-half, still in closed position. It is written as a two-measure figure; the Manual prescribes a three-step contra check- like action in closed position as the second measure, although a variety of one-measure endings are used in choreography. It can be danced with more drama, with Man stepping side and forward left to start. Because they are in closed position, she won’t “wrap” into his lead arm like in a left pass, but she can follow his body shape and change her head to look right over her shoulder before the slip.

Is any one of them more correct than the others? They all can be used to create a big change of orientation, and could be interchangeable in some choreography, but each has a styling that makes them distinctive from the others.

From a club newsletter, January 2018, and reprinted in the Dixie Round Dance Council (DRDC) Newsletter, February 2018. Find a DRDC Finch archive here.


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