Cuddle Variations 2:
Into cuddle: On 2nd foot (beat 4,5,6) lead brings left hand across & up between self and partner to turn follower ccw, catching follower’s left hand as she turns to end in cuddle position (both facing line of direction).
Out of cuddle: on 1st foot, lead lifts left hand to initiate cw twirl 1 1/2x for follower. Lead’s right hand is used to help indicate direction of twirl, then lets go. Catch follower in closed position (nice place for turning waltz or pivots).
Illusions: In cuddle position, lead steps across in front of follower on beat 1 to initiate 360 degree pivot for both lead and follower. At the end of 3 beats, both will be facing line of direction again, with hands at waist, but follower will be on lead’s left side. Be careful to keep hands at waist level at all points, so follower will not get stray signal to twirl. Keep hands close to her waist and stay close. Follower takes 3 very small steps in place on beats 1,2,3 as she pivots. On beats 4,5,6 lead follower back to right side, moving in front of lead. Lead moves behind follower to the left. Follower must keep connection in her arms in order to match weight and respond to lead. Don’t let go of either hand!
Switching cuddle from right side to left side: On 1st foot, raise lead’s left, then right (then lower left, then right) to turn follower cw 1x while moving her to lead’s left side (not letting go with either hand). To return, lift lead’s right hand, then left while turning follower ccw back to right side.
While in “reverse cuddle” position (lead on follower’s right side, after switching her as in above), lead initiates counterclockwise twirl for follower using his right hand. Lead rotates counterclockwise with her, switching her right hand into his right hand as they turn, to end both facing line of direction, follower on lead’s right, left hands joined in front, right hands joined at follower’s waist.
Can also do this move without lead rotating with follower. Lead initiates twirl for follower, switches hands behind his back, and catches her with arm at waist, both facing line of direction, follower on lead’s right. Follower must keep turing until she is “caught”. Lead must step back slightly to catch her with correct momentum.