pretzels ?

S

Salsero_AT

New Member
Hi everyone !

A quick question: What is a pretzel ? Perhaps i know the move but not under that name. Could you please give a short description ?

Thanks :)
 
I do have a description, but I'm not sure if the Salsa pretzel is like the one used in swing. :?
 
There are 2 forms: the man's pretzel and the woman's pretzel

The women's pretzel an start with a sweetheart. The you turn her 1.5 times until she is facing you and her right hand is out to her side and her left hand is behind her back (call this position 2). The you pass behind her and come thru under her left arm. This position looks just like position 1 except you are on her left side instead of her right. Then turn her to her right until she is in position 1 again. If you reverse this it is called the Reverse Pretzel.

The man's pretzel is just like the women's pretzel but the roles are reversed. Usually the man will start with a 2-hand hold and then turn to his right until he is facing his partner with his left hand behing his back and his right hand out to the side. Then the lady passes behind him like above. Then he turn until he is in position 1 again. This one is also reversible.

That make 4 pretzels total. Now all we need is some mustard! :lol:
 
Yes, as Spitfire noted, the description I used is from my knowledge of swing, but these patterns can also be used in whole or in part in salsa.
 
And I didn't know that the pretzel was used in Salsa. I actually learned it as a beginner years ago though it is regarded as a more intermediate to advanced move.
 
I have done the pretzel in merengue, but I have never done it with salsa! I find it easy to adapt all my swing moves to merengue. I too would like a description of how it differs, if any, when done in salsa. I would imagine it would differ as in ECS it is done in 18 beats, 3 x 6 count basic, while in salsa we have a 4 count basic.
 
Ok, this page has a video clip which demonstares the pretzel as it is done in swing:
Click to expand...

Aaaahh ! I recognize it ! :D I know it from Casino where this is the main part of a figure called "Setenta y Cinco" (75). In the Casino version you go under the ladies arm on 567, and then turn the arms on 123 and 567.

Thanks for the video :)
 
Salsero_AT said:
Ok, this page has a video clip which demonstares the pretzel as it is done in swing:
Click to expand...

Aaaahh ! I recognize it ! :D I know it from Casino where this is the main part of a figure called "Setenta y Cinco" (75). In the Casino version you go under the ladies arm on 567, and then turn the arms on 123 and 567.

Thanks for the video :)
Click to expand...

I'll have to try it in Salsa.
 
That Salsa a la cubana is a one-man show. He is REALLY good, but I'm not sure how showing where the women fits in. :D
 
DanceMentor said:
That Salsa a la cubana is a one-man show. He is REALLY good, but I'm not sure how showing where the women fits in. :D
Click to expand...

It's a difference in styles. In casino, the man normally shows off more. This is in contrast to NY/LA, where the woman is the focus. The woman would mark the timing so he could improvise. For myself, I think salsa and casino strikes a perfect balance, if you do 50% casino moves and 50% salsa moves, you both end up showing off...
 
brujo said:
I always thought pretzels were complicated arm patterns that involve a lot of wrapping and twisting.

Something like the moves in Salsa a la cubana
Click to expand...
That's exactly what i'm talking about. Eric Freeman teaches here in the Denver area so I see him out at the clubs fairly often. He does some VERY complicated arm patterns.
 
It's been my experience that the pretzel works best with follows who are tall and have long arms, but shorter women have often done very well with it. In either case it is most optimum when the follow keeps the arms as flexible as possible.
 
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