If you seen dancers in Jive (all levels), you might have heard of the term 'Kick ball-change'. But let's leave the kick out and transfer it to
the 'ball-change' in Latin hustle.

The ball-change is, I believe, the mainstay of all
Latin hustle foot movemen ts. It often ends most
patterns in this type of hustle, and is sometimes
similar to the open breaks used in American style
rhythm and nightclub dancing.

Take the Basic Step for example, with the man and
lady in a double-handed, open hold. The counts
appear on the right. Do you notice where the
'ball-changes' occurs on this pattern?

Man

1. Forward LF (1)
2. Back rock with RF (2)
3. Place LF behind RF, slightly big step (&)
4. Forward rock with LF (3)

Lady

1. Forward RF (1)
2. Back rock with LF (2)
3. Place RF behind LF, slightly big step (&)
4. Forward rock with RF (3)

There are two ball-changes: one on steps 1 and 2
and the other 3-4. A ball-change means that you
step on the ball of one foot and transfer the
weight (the 'change') to the other foot.

I hope this helps.

Charles Smith
'The Little Lily Of Ballroom Dancing"
(cjsmith2@uiuc.edu)ÿ