The Underarm Turn that follows Cross-Body Lead is similar to the 3-count Underarm Turn to Left (fig #16), but takes place during the man's LF Forward Change rather than 4-6 Reverse Turn or Promenade Close. It is followed by a figure that begins with a side step in either closed or open facing position, such as a RF Side Hesitation, Side Whisk to R., or Open Break & Underarm Turn to R.
The Cross-Body Lead is used to open space in the dance position in order to facilitate the Underarm Turn to L. The lady's rotation at the end of the Cross-Body Lead provides additional impetus to set the Underarm Turn in motion.
Following the Cross-Body Lead, the man dances a LF Forward Change while leading the lady to turn to her left under a LH-RH hold, followed by a side step on his right foot. The lady dances 3 pivoting steps, RLR, followed by a side step on her left foot. She turns a total of 1 & 1/2 to left between the last step of the Cross-Body Lead and the side step following the underarm turn. When the turn is complete, the couple can remain in open facing position or return to closed position.
STEP#
COUNT
DESCRIPTION
NOTES
Closed position, backing line of dance.
1
1
Right foot back.
Begin to turn to left. Extend arms and release from body contact.
2
2
Left foot side & slightly back in promenade position.
3/8 turn to left between 1-2 (body turns less).
3
3
Right foot closes to left foot in promenade position.
Begin leading lady to turn to her left.
4
1
Left foot forward.
Begin to turn to left. Release right hand from lady's back and lift left hand, continuing to lead lady to turn to her left using LH-RH hold.
5
2
Right foot side & slightly forward.
1/8 turn to left between 4-5. Continue leading lady to turn to her left under raised LH-RH hold.
6
3
Left foot closes to right foot.
Continue leading lady to turn to her left under raised LH-RH hold, then lower left hand at completion of lady's turn.
(7)
1
Right foot side, as first step of following figure.
End facing line of dance in closed or open facing position.
STEP#
COUNT
DESCRIPTION
NOTES
Closed position, facing line of dance.
1
1
Left foot forward.
2
2
Right foot diagonally forward, right side leading, in promenade position.
Slight body turn to left.
3
3
Left foot forward in promenade position and CBMP.
Begin to turn to left.
4
1
Right foot diagonally back (pivot).
Step taken toward diagonal wall. Release left hand from man's shoulder and turn 3/8 to left between 3-4. Then 3/8 turn to left on 4 to end facing wall.
5
2
Left foot forward in CBMP.
Continue turning to left under raised LH-RH hold.
6
3
Right foot side & slightly back, small step (pivot).
Step taken toward wall. 3/8 turn to left under raised LH-RH hold between 5-6. Then 1/4 turn to left on 6 to end backing diagonal wall.
(7)
1
Left foot side, as first step of following figure.
Step taken toward wall. 1/8 turn to left between 6-7. End backing line of dance in closed or open facing position, according to man's lead.
