Viradinha

Viradinha literally means “little turn”. It’s a versatile fundamental element of zouk that can be used for many different purposes. The broad overview is that the follow turns backwards along her line by doing a 180 degree turn.

The easiest way to think of Viradinha is by picturing a Compass StepCompass StepThe fundamental footwork mechanic of stepping and pivoting on the ball of the foot to change direction. - meaning a compass step where the dancer replaces the original foot, going back the way they came.

When the half-basic step ends, with the lead’s weight on their back right foot and follow’s on their front left foot, the lead leads the follow to pivot 180 degrees backwards, Compass StepCompass StepThe fundamental footwork mechanic of stepping and pivoting on the ball of the foot to change direction., and the follower steps back to their original foot.

Following the concepts outlined in Communicating IntentionCommunicating IntentionUsing body structure and energy to transmit movement information., the lead is done by giving the follow TorsionTorsionHow the twist of the body communicates movement in Zouk. prior to the follow’s control step, this makes it so that the torsion naturally unwraps with the follow turning right on their Compass StepCompass StepThe fundamental footwork mechanic of stepping and pivoting on the ball of the foot to change direction.. This is led primarily with the chest movement, secondary with lead’s hand behind the shoulder, making an ice-cream scoop motion. The Open ArmOpen ArmThe relaxed connection point lead's left hand holding the follow's right hand in most embraces, around shoulder height. Part of Different Holds & Embraces is not used to lead torsion, and should have very little directive energy in it.

Viradinha Videos