Hi

I'm trying to lead my partner into an alemana, but it seems to be going wrong - either my arm is too high, she gets cramped on the turn, or I'm leading her too far away from my body.

What's the best way to lead the alemana so she can read my lead and not get confused?

Also, what's the main difference between that and the underarm turn?

Thanks!

As Terence would no doubt say, it's difficult to see what's wrong with your execution from a brief textual description.

Here's a link that may answer your questions; it definitely answers the second one: Alemana description.

Good luck.

jj

With todays Alamana it is taken to towards the mans left side. On the step where the man steps back RF the lady should try stepping in the same direction at the same time with her LF. It should not be necessary for the man to turn the lady. She by using the mans still hand and arm should be able to do it all on her own.
The Underarm Turn for the lady is simular to a Spot Turn without letting go of the hand. The Underarm Turn can be seen on this site by going to Learn The Dances . You would be well adviced to go there anytime in the future instead of asking and getting crackpot answeres from some people who don't know what they are talking about.After looking for yourself, then ask questions. Good Luck

Thanks for the help guys. It's muchly appreciated and very helpful.