Well, not really - a Latin Underarm Turn IS a Spot Turn, apart from the changed hold, whereas an Alemana has a different turning action, having more in common with a Spiral, using a delayed forward walk (to use Laird's terminology).

It depends which book you work from

The ISTD Rumba technique, 6th edition, 1998 says:

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"Spot turns are three forward steps..., circling to either L or R"

Alemana (ladies steps)
1:close RF to LF,
2:LF fwd,
3:RF fwd - turn 1/8 to R.
4-6: Three fwd walks under the raised arm, LF, RF, LF. End in closed position. Turn 1 1/8 over 4-6.

"The alemana may be danced from open position - Lady steps back on 1 instead of closing, and makes a complete turn R over 4-6."

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That looks very much like an underarm turn to me.

The differences between the actions of dancing a Spot Turn, under the partner's raised arm (an Under Arm Turn) either to the left or the right, and an Alemana, also an under arm turn but always to the right, are more effectively revealed by dancing them, rather than relying on the ISTD text (as quoted). Laird is much more explicit in describing the action, and I would make a careful study of his work, while seeking out a good, accurate demonstration.

Telemark. Unless there is a IDTA book by Walter Laird which is later than the one I have, there is no Underarm Turn in either the Rumba or the Cha Cha. Actually on an Alemana Turn before going under the arm. The man's Left hand and arm and the ladies Right are touching from the hand to the elbow. Which should make it look simular to a Policeman calling the trafic to a halt. Which includes a flat palm which allows the lady to use the palm to assist the turn .Which makes it entirely different to an Underarm Turn.

The Current Edition of Laird (2003) does indeed have Under Arm Turns to L & R in both Rumba & Cha Cha, linked (as they obviously are) with the equivalent Spot Turns, and, of course, the rather different under arm Alemana is given separately. As there are more points of difference, than similarities, between the two types of under arm turn, I'm suprised that anyone would think otherwise.



Yes, I agree, but I'm not the one suggesting that they are the same!

As an aside, you are not correct in attributing Laird to the IDTA, for while they have adopted Laird as their Latin Technique, they do not control the copyright or publish the text. This may lead to difficulties, in the future, and there are already a good many figures in general use which Laird does not include (particularly in Jive, which has very limited range of figures). The 2003 edition is the 'Commemorative' edition, and may well be the last in his name. Who knows what may come next, but Laird of course is widely regarded as authoritative throughout the dance world, and for good reason.

Regarding the Underarm Turns. I believe they were in use in the USA first. I always was under the impression that move was stolen from one of one of the other USA styles. Being a bit old fashioned I would rather see the Opening Out Right to Left, or the Rope Spin from an Alemana which is what Laird suggests. It is a beautifull step when done correctly, and is a perfect lead into many other moves.

Pretty much all the foundation work ( and many other variations ) have been adapted from the Amer. style syllabus, which in turn has revamped most of its content in Sq. Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo/Salsa, from the Bolero and Swing genres .

And even they are extentions of other more indigenous dances .

All dances done socially and in comp. are hybrids. The 2 that are closer to their originals in Latin.. merengue and bachata, and even they have added many variations that were not in the original format... Intern. Rumba is tied loosely to Bolero ( its template )..

Terence. Its worth it to Google. George Raft Bolero. From the 1934 film of the same name. Starring George Raft and Carol Lombard.

Have seen it several times ....the movie, that is..and also with Veloz and Yolanda .. there are several other versions in movies, but all are more in the modern dance style, and dont truly reflect what Cubanos dance of that ( or this ) era..

I doubt that the derivation is from 'a la main'.
Allemande is French for German.
Alemana is Spanish for German.
The Allemande was a dance of the 16th century which originated (surprise) in Germany and became popular in France.