How to transition from being close to opening up, and back to close
Steps
Show opening the embrace on a backward ocho to parada
Show closing the embrace on a side step (leader comes to follower)
Show another way of opening the embrace, at the cross from crossed system (leader takes shorter step)
Practice both these ways
Switch roles.
Tips
When opening up on the backward ocho, the follower rolls her upper body across the embrace: point of contact moves from sternum-to-sternum, across closer to side so there is more of a v-shape
The follower’s arms need to be mobile and allow distance to change
Bonus!
Three Distances: Can you lead the difference between opening to basketball distance, baseball distance, vs ping-pong ball distance?