In this episode of Addicted2Salsa we show you how to perform a basic blind cross-body lead with a loop-over lock salsa move. While the move may look easy at first, it is the timing and the proper leading where some may have difficulties. Also, we will take it and chain it together, going from a cross-body hammer-lock to a reverse loop-over. I consider this a more intermediate dance pattern because you have to be very careful on how you lead this move. These moves done incorrectly can hurt the girl in VERY bad ways. At the very end of the episode, we decided to add one of our bloopers from filming. Enjoy!
Before we continue, over the years I had been receiving a lot of questions on the much nicer dance shoes that I wear during the Addicted2Salsa dance video episodes (nice white shoes) compared to the original series (big black heavy shoes). I’ve worn A LOT of dance shoes since I started dancing salsa, from regular rubber dress shoes, to BLOCH sneakers, to jazz shoes and shoes with Latin heels. As a male dancer, there isn’t much of a selection for a great dance shoes – until a few years ago when I met Giancarlo from Gabellini Dance Shoes. 
He has made some of the most fabulous dance shoes for men that combine a great sense of style and utility. I bought my first pair in November 2006 and have never bought any other brand since. Giancarlo has taken time to really focus on what makes a great dance shoe for men: a lightweight shoe that allows a better placement of your center of gravity with enough support to provide you with better control on spinning and footwork. We all appreciate anyone who that takes time in designing things very carefully and well, and Gabellini has done this for mens’ salsa dance shoes. I’d like to thank him for being the first sponsor for the Addicted2Salsa show.
[Updated] The song name is Lunes Locos (Crazy Mondays) by Los Gatos. Also, for those who were asking, my favorite shoes are the ‘White Leather’ (with a black stripe).
Bloch is carried here as well,...
Thanks for the great lesson!
What a fine piece of work.
Probably the best I’ve seen out of the A2S studios to date.
Liked the addition of the very dramatic natural lighting.
Of course my personal favorite part is the blooper added at the end!
Kudos to all involved.
That was very well explained, Anthony. Thanks so much for the technicality!
Seems like you have gained little mass since the last video
Good point on shoes! This is most frequent issue I think – ugly or cheesy looking male dance shoes. Good point Anthony! That’s why I haven’t bought dancing shoes yet, just using those “which are good to dance”.
@Nayan Choudhary – you have become my new enemy. What a way to insult the host.
Hahahahaha !! e-fight go go go anthony :p
But still another good piece of work! i downloaded it while i was at uni lol ! cos i was playin about with my ipod touch and whilst checkin facebook lol !
Keep up the good work loverz
hey, can you tell me what the name of the song is called?
I apologize. I was just kidding
@Nayan Choudhary, I know, I didn’t take it personally. Cause of the problem: Julie’s cooking is very tasty.
Good lesson Anthony. One thing that I am noticing more and more and hope that everyone else here does as well is to be able to dissect the lesson.
For example, I know how to do free spins. You have taught hammer locks several times before, and last class I learned to spin the follow.
So anyone following your lessons will be able to pay attention to the new stuff. So for me, I never actually did the hammer lock; I think I have no choice now.
BTW, where’d you get that cool t-short?
Great video. Viewing it as a podcast on iTunes I am finding some pauses and breaks in the continuity. Am I alone in finding this a problem?
I have no problems with the video, I also am watching it on iTunes Podcast. Fantastic video, love the T-shirt
I have a question about the dance move, Anthony. How do you lead the lady into that hammerlock position. Many of my female (usually less experienced) partners don’t seem to realise that they need to keep turning into it. I think I’m keeping their hand low (and comfortable) but it generally doesn’t happen
@palinaurus
. What I can say is that I start by providing force to help them rotate for that cross-body lead with turn, and once the lady starts rotating I bring the hand down. Given the lady’s momentum in rotation and a very slight twist (not forced, but still connected to your hand) the lady should place the hand in a hammerlock.
You have to provide a balance between technique and force. This is really hard in determining how you are doing the move (since I can’t see you do it)
If they don’t realize they need to keep turning, it might mean you may not be providing enough momentum for them to continue turning and you are late in having the arm twist. Try first twisting the arm earlier when you perform the hammerlock (and maybe place it on her back properly). Then, once you have the timing down, add more rotational force when they are turning.
Of course, there will always be some followers that will just stop because a defense mechanism (they’ve never been put into a hammerlock position before) so their body kind of stops them when they feel something awkward – however, these are just beginners. I say try to do this move with a more intermediate follower so you can separate what you may be doing incorrectly from what beginner followers are doing improperly from you being able to understand the pattern.
Hope this helps!
Also @ Palinaurus
Another option that I’ve had some success with is getting proactive (Not the acne formula.) What I mean by that is that if you are leading this CrossBodyLead with Right hand. Then with your left hand you can ‘encourage’ more rotation by picking up and rotating her left shoulder around the 6/7 count of her turn.
It’s a subtle thing that could help in the right situation. Hope it’s helpful.