Hand-to-Hand Charleston

Charleston · Beginner

A partnered Charleston where the couple stays connected through the hands alone, no arm around the back, moving back and forth between two positions.

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Face to face, open, hands held low.
The couple swings side by side and back on each kick, like a hinge.
Mirror image: the lead's left leg goes with the follow's right.

Not to be confused with: Charleston Basic,Side-by-Side Charleston,Hacksaw,Hand-to-Hand Turn,Kick Throughs,Airplane Charleston

Understanding the move

How it goes

On the opening: only the inside hands stay joined, the lead's left in the follow's right; the outside arms fly out to the side.
The joined arm stretches out almost straight on the opening, then folds back in face to face.
Coming back, each partner pivots a quarter turn toward the other.

Usual mistakes

Pulling on the joined hand: the couple closes in instead of pivoting.
Opening too far, past side by side: getting back face to face comes in late.

Variations and related moves

Hand-to-Hand Turn
Hacksaw

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