Swing Out with Tap Behind

This move differs from most Swing Out variations, because the leader does not cross over in front of the path of the follower. Instead, the two dancers travel on straight, parallel paths, and end the move facing in a direction 90° from their original position.

The tap behind itself (on beat 4) is not lead, and so relies on the follower recognizing the move. However, as the move uses a normal eight-beat rhythm, it can still be led with a follower who has not seen the move before—she will just hold her position on beat 4.


front view reverse view detail
1. M:BL W:BR Start from an closed position, with the leader's left hand holding the follower's right hand. The leader takes a step backward on his left foot. The follower takes a step backward on her right foot.
2. M:RR W:RL The leader replaces his weight on his right foot. The follower replaces her weight on her left foot.
3. M:SL2R W:FR2L The leader takes a step to the side on his left foot, turning 90° to his right, holding the follower firmly to prevent her from executing a triple step. The follower takes a step forward on her right foot, turning 90° to her left. (image: facing view)
4. M:TaHR2R W:TaHL2L The leader taps with his right foot back and behind his other foot, continuing to turn another 90° to his right, pushing away slightly on the follower's left hip with his right hand. The follower taps with her left foot back and behind her other foot, continuing to turn another 90° to her left. (image: lead with right hand)
5. M:HR2R W:HL2L The leader takes a step with his right foot back and behind his other foot, continuing to turn another 90° to his right, pulling left hand to the right at waist height and letting go. The follower takes a step with her left foot back and behind her other foot, continuing to turn another 90° to her left. (image: lead with left hand)
6. M:TL2R W:TR2L The leader closes his left foot to his right foot, continuing to turn another 90° to his right. The follower closes her right foot to her left foot, continuing to turn another 90° to her left.
7. M:eBR1R W:eBL1L The leader takes a step slightly backward on his right foot, continuing to turn slightly to his right. The follower takes a step slightly backward on her left foot, continuing to turn slightly to her left.
&. M:TL1R W:TR1L The leader closes his left foot to his right foot, continuing to turn slightly to his right. The follower closes her right foot to her left foot, continuing to turn slightly to her left.
8. M:RR W:RL The leader replaces his weight on his right foot. The follower replaces her weight on her left foot.
 
 

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