Simple Turn

The simple turn is the gateway to many rotational movements in zouk. Generally done from LungeLungeA preparatory step used as an entry to other movements., the simple turn allows the follow to step back and complete a 360 degree turn.

Lunge to Simple Turn

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Feet Hips Chest Line

Lunge

Simple Turn

Basic Back and Forth

Note that this should be contrasted with the Traveling TurnTraveling Turn, which is a turn while moving in a certain direction.

The follow’s role in the simple turn

Understanding the follow’s role gives insight into how it should be led. The simple turn is achieved from a LungeLungeA preparatory step used as an entry to other movements. position - meaning it happens in the Blue PhaseBlue PhaseThe second 'boom chick chick' in the music, and every subsequent even phase. Part of Music & Rhythm. Lead and follow are facing each other, ready to go on their Blue FootBlue FootLead's right and follow's left - the first foot that moves in the boom of the second half basic. Part of Stepping.

The follow has their left foot ready. They push off their right foot on the boom, and then transfer weight to their left foot - on the spot. Next, they bring their right foot all the way around, completing a 90 degree left turn. This marks their Control StepControl StepA step that absorbs and redirects energy with energy on the ball of the foot. Part of Stepping.

Tip! One trick to remember as a beginner in zouk is that if you are stepping your boom with your left foot, you are probably going to do a left turn - and vice versa. This is true not just for simple turns, but also Traveling TurnTraveling Turn, SoltinhoSoltinhoAlternating lead turning and follow turning., and BonusBonusA weight transfer that creates a pause in the basic, used as a foundation for many exits and variations..

After the follow is facing away from the lead, the follow pivots 180 degrees - same exact Compass StepCompass StepThe fundamental footwork mechanic of stepping and pivoting on the ball of the foot to change direction. as used in the LateralLateralA side-stepping movement that creates a lateral travelling pattern across the floor.. In essence, at this point, the follow is making a lateral turn to the left, completely the 360 degree rotation.

The lead’s role in the simple turn

The lead needs to be clear about the direction that the simple turn is taking. As with the concepts outlined in Communicating IntentionCommunicating Intention, this turn is fundamental led through body movement. The opening of the body to the side gives the idea to the follow to turn, and they does it on their own. However, frame can also be used to add clarity. Add torsion and direction to the follow’s frame as a lead in order to indicate the movement. The lead can take the follow’s left hand, starting around shoulder height, and make a halo above the follow’s head while they turns.

Technically speaking, leading isn’t required for the entire movement, as there is a point where the concept of Communicating IntentionCommunicating Intention comes into play. It is not a natural position for the follow to be turned away from the lead. Since the follow has some leftward momemtum and on their control step, they use the Compass StepCompass StepThe fundamental footwork mechanic of stepping and pivoting on the ball of the foot to change direction. to return the chest connection.

Turning right

This movement can be flipped - you get transition into lunge position during the Blue PhaseBlue PhaseThe second 'boom chick chick' in the music, and every subsequent even phase. Part of Music & Rhythm, arriving in in lunge position at the start of the Red PhaseRed PhaseThe first 'boom chick chick' in the music, and every subsequent odd phase. Part of Music & Rhythm, and then proceed to do a simple right turn. This is definitely possible but not as common.

In zouk, you’ll become accustomed to doing much more left turning than right turning.

Simple Turn Videos

Variations