When Walter Laird first wrote his interpretation of the Latin technique in 1964, he did not include the Spot Turns to right and left in the Rumba. But he did include these turns in the Cha Cha Cha. When Walter wrote the new edition in 1972 the Spot Turns were included for the first time in the Rumba. When the ISTD UK wrote their First Edition in 1974 the Spot Turns were also included in the Rumba, but with an additional method of dancing these three steps. Quote: ‘These are three forward walks danced solo by Man or Lady circling to the left or right, or a solo turn in which one foot may remain on a spot around which the circle is made'. The ISTD UK went one further in the revised Sixth Edition in 1996 and stated that the first step of the Spot Turns could use the action of a Switch Turn. Even today, the Walter Laird technique still recommends the Spot Turns be danced with one foot in place (originally known as the Cucaracha Turns.) Although I personally knew Walter for many, many years I always referred to him has Walter and not Wally. In the year previous to him departing we were having a whisky together and I said to him, ‘How do you liked to be called, Walter or Wally?' He replied, ‘How do you like to call me?' I said, ‘Walter.' Okay I'll answer to that.' We both then continued to talk dance. Never ever politics!
