Routine lessons

Bachata: Intermediate Flow Combination

Open Turn, Hammerlock, Cuddle, and Cross-Body Exit

Bachata2 min read

Level

Intermediate

Sequence

  • Side basic in closed or open hold, counts 1-4 and 5-8; lead starts left, follow starts right, finishing with a light left-to-right hand connection.
  • Follow right turn, counts 1-4; lead raises the left-to-right hand, follow turns clockwise and taps on 4, then both settle in open hold on 5-8.
  • Two-hand preparation, counts 1-4; lead collects the free hand low before the tap so the next rotation starts from a clear two-hand frame.
  • Hammerlock entry, counts 5-8; lead raises the left-to-right hand and keeps the other hand low as the follow turns into a right-side hammerlock.
  • Small side basic in hammerlock, counts 1-4; both keep compact steps and complete the tap before the unwind is led.
  • Cuddle or sweetheart wrap, counts 5-8; lead unwinds the hammerlock into a front-facing wrap without closing the follow's shoulder or neck line.
  • Cross-body lead with inside turn exit, counts 1-8; lead opens the lane, guides the follow through an inside turn, and returns to open hold on count 8.

Music to try

Use a medium-tempo bachata with a steady guitar pattern and enough space in the phrasing for turns to finish cleanly on the taps.

Teaching notes

  • Catch the count before you step; each new figure should begin after a completed tap on 4 or 8.
  • Change hands before asking for rotation, not during the turn.
  • Keep wrapped positions spacious through the shoulders and neck.
  • Use compact side steps so the routine stays social-floor friendly.

Common mistakes

  • Starting the hammerlock before the follow has completed the right-turn weight change.
  • Lifting the low hand in the hammerlock, which can twist the follow's shoulder.
  • Holding the cuddle too tightly instead of letting both partners keep their own axis.
  • Rushing the cross-body exit so the inside turn misses the final tap.

Full write-up

This intermediate bachata flow combination links familiar social figures without requiring performance styling or unsupported weight changes. It suits dancers who already keep bachata timing comfortably, maintain an elastic open hold, and can lead or follow single turns without pulling through the arms. The routine begins from a side basic in closed or open position, then uses a left-to-right hand connection to lead a follow right turn. The turn resolves into open position with both partners settled on the tap, which gives the lead time to change to a two-hand hold before the hammerlock entry.

The hammerlock is led as a contained rotational figure: the follow turns under the lead’s raised hand while the other hand stays low enough to avoid lifting the shoulder. From that wrapped position, the couple can continue a small side basic so the follow’s axis remains quiet before unwinding into a cuddle or sweetheart-style wrap. The cuddle should feel like a traveling frame change rather than a restraint; both partners keep their own balance and the lead leaves space for the follow’s ribs, shoulders, and neck.

The exit uses a cross-body pathway with an inside turn, returning to open position on the final tap. Musically, the sequence works best when each figure begins on count 1 after a completed tap on 4 or 8. Its flow depends less on speed than on clean preparation: the lead changes hands before rotation begins, and the follow completes each weight transfer before responding to the next invitation.