Daily tip · Published November 3, 2026
Spotlight on the Spiral (Left Underarm) in Cha Cha
The Spiral (Left Underarm) is an engaging move in the Cha Cha, a lively Latin dance. This figure is commonly explored at the Silver 1 level, where dancers develop their skills and confidence on the...
The Spiral (Left Underarm) is an engaging move in the Cha Cha, a lively Latin dance. This figure is commonly explored at the Silver 1 level, where dancers develop their skills and confidence on the dance floor.
Focused practice of the Spiral (Left Underarm) helps dancers enhance their balance and fluidity. It allows for creative expression while connecting with a partner. Dancers can bring the energy of the Cha Cha to life as they master this figure. Consider finding a studio on Floorcraft to explore this dance further.
The step chart
Here is how this figure is danced. Each row is one step, and the columns break down the feet, the timing and the movement. Switch between a step by step view and the full chart with the buttons above the chart.
Technique
Commence: Closed Position
The Spiral, danced from Closed Position. The lady dances a spiral turn on step 5 (turning on RF with the LF crossing loosely in front without weight), the man opening her out and leading her to a backward lock in Fan Position.
Man
6| Step | Count | Foot position | Turn | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Left foot to side or forward in RSP | Slight body turn to right | Increase tone and lower L arm to R at chest level. Widen R arm in hold to R side |
| 2 | 3 | Transfer weight to Right foot | – | Retain tone in arms |
| 3 | 4and1 | Compact Chasse LRL | Slight body turn to left to normal position | Return arms to normal position over 3 & 4. Raise L hand above Lady's R shoulder to circle anti-clockwise on 5 |
| 4 | 2 | Right foot back | – | – |
| 5 | 3 | Transfer weight to Left foot | 1/8 to left over 7 - 10 | L arm to L side lowering L hand to waist level |
| 6 | 4and1 | Right foot to side to chasse RLR. End in Fan Position | – | Increase tone in L arm. Slightly extend L arm. L hand still |
Lady
6| Step | Count | Foot position | Footwork | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Right foot back in RSP | – | 1/2 to right |
| 2 | 3 | Transfer weight to Left foot | – | – |
| 3 | 4and1 | Right foot forward and slightly across Left foot in chasse RLR, then underturn, allowing Left foot to cross in front without weight (Spiral turn) | On 5 turn is made on ball of Right foot with foot flat (toe of Left foot). Turn could also be made on R toe with heel well off the floor | 1/4 to left between 2 & 3 then a further 7/8 on 5 |
| 4 | 2 | Left foot forward | – | 1/8 to left |
| 5 | 3 | Right foot forward and slightly across, then turn to end Right foot back | – | 1/8 to left, then a further 1/2. Body turns less |
| 6 | 4and1 | Backward Lock LRL. End in Fan Position | – | Body completes turn |
Notes
- The Spiral Turns section covers Spiral, Curl and Rope Spinning. A spiral turn is danced by the Lady: a turn made on RF turning L, or LF turning R, allowing the other foot to cross in front without weight; it normally ends with ankles crossed (the cross in the Curl is looser).
- If preferred the Man may keep his fingers lightly in contact with Lady's waist as she dances her spiral turn on 5.
- On Lady's step 1 turn is commenced towards end of preceding beat of music.
- Alternative Method: Lady may use an Extended Forward Walk on 5.
- Underturned Spiral: Man turns 1/8 L over 7 - 10, dancing a Fwd Lock DW to end in Open Position (Lady 3/4 L after placing step 5, to end in Tandem Position facing wall; 6 LF fwd DW, 7 RF fwd in line with LF DW then continue to turn 1/2 to end RF back, 8 - 10 Bwd Lock LRL DW).
- Alternative Finishing Position 1 - Open Position (Man turns 3/8 L over 7 - 10).
- Alternative Finishing Position 2 - Open CPP.
- Alternative Finishing Position 3 - Contact Position (Man turn 5/8 L over 7 - 10 dancing the chasse side and slightly fwd, overturning Lady, keeping fingers lightly in contact with her waist as she turns within the circle of his R arm; on 6 lower arms to normal. Lady makes a complete turn L over 6 - 10, dancing the chasse with LF behind RF as Cuban Cross; this is the Close Spiral). Development: dance 1 - 5 of Spiral and continue with Aida.
- Alternative Finishing Position 4 - Left Side Position (Man no turn over 7 - 10 leading Lady to overturn on 7, lowering L arm and taking it slightly fwd; Lady turns an additional 1/8 L on 7 using a loosely crossed spiral action, both dance a Fwd Lock on 8 - 10).
- Spiral Turns (Lady)
Learn to dance
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