Hello, I seem to be ok with forward botafogo and when using it to transition from samba walks back to the basic, feels natural, but something about doing the reverse bota feels awkward, especial as begin the first step, perhaps a weight shifting problem, body postion, or knee bending issue? Would anyone comment on the step please.

The way I do it now is:

On 1, step back using inner edge of RF (which way should my right toe be pointing and my body be pointing as I move into the first backward step of the reverse btofogo?

Then on "a" I extend the inner edge of my LF to the side as I begin to put partial weight on it. Should my LF be extended but EVEN with my right, or should it be a little IN FRONT of my RF?

Then on 3 I pick up and put down my RF enough to make my body face diagonally left of center while the right knee is bending as I step, bending knee pointing diagonal left.

What am I doing wrong? Wish I knew enough terminology to be more concise with my questions, but if the description/questions are too hard to follow, would someone mind clarifying the steps and direction for me, please?

Latina 7. This is the International Style. There are no Reverse Botafogos in my book. There are Travelling Botafogos. Promenade Botafogos. Shadow Botafogos. Contra Botafogos. I would think what you are doing is the ladies steps on a Travelling Botafogos. I can't ever remember having to do a Botafogos going backwards. That has always been the ladies steps.
This is what the book says. Lady. Commence backing LOD. Step 1. RF back B flat. 2. LF to side and slightly back Toe turned out using i/e of toe. 3. RF in place ball flat. Weight transfer in place. Timing 3/4. 1/4. 1.
Continue LF back partner o/s on R side. and so on.
What ever you do don't try to learn this the hardest of all the dances by yourself or from a book. Good Luck

Serendipidy,

Thank you for the breakdown and clarification, especially about the slightly behind position of the side extended LF.
After I posted my message, I realized I used the wrong term. You're right, I was referring to when the lady travels backwards.
I've been taking group lessons, so there's not much attention to detail or troubleshooting for errors. This is one dance, I will eventually take some privates for. Samba is difficult, but a wonderful dance!

latina 7. There is something else that might interest you and that is.Today the Botafogos are being done with a slight difference by todays dancers than was done in the past. If I take my first step into a Botafogo or take my first step into a Volta they are being done identically. In fact you could change from one to the other with ease as an after thought if it became neccesary, for instance if somebody was in the way.

That's interesting, Serendipidy! I just tried it and it works really well.