Outside Turn

6-count · Beginner

The follow's basic turn, six counts, hand held all the way; it's the mirror of the inside turn, where the follow turns toward the lead.

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  1. Starts in open position, lead's left hand.
  2. The follow turns clockwise under the raised hand, away from the lead.
  3. Places swapped, ends open.

Not to be confused with: Tuck Turn,Inside Turn

Understanding the move

Count by count

  • 1-2: both rock back, arms long and relaxed, hand still low.
  • 3-4: the lead steps in and lifts the hand above the follow's head; the follow first travels down the slot, then turns, the hand staying above their head.
  • 5-6: the hand drops back to waist height as soon as the follow faces the lead again.

Usual mistakes

  • The lead raises the hand too low: the follow bumps into the arm.
  • The lead pulls the hand toward themselves: the follow heads in as if for an inside turn.

Variations and related moves

  • Tuck Turn
  • Swing Out with Outside Turn
  • Swing Out with Double Outside Turn

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