10 Struttin' Turns： Texas Tommy

COURSE: struttin-vol-ii-more-moves

FOCUS: This lesson teaches the Texas Tommy turn with a strutting basic, focusing on leaders tossing the follower's hand in a natural arc and catching them smoothly during rotation.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Followers place their right arm behind their back to test comfort before attempting the move.
• Leaders should put their palm on top of the follower's hand and lead from the forearm and wrist, not by pulling.
• Keep the follower's arm super relaxed and floating during the toss to avoid discomfort.
• Catch the follower as they unwind from the turn, using the right forearm to smooth the transition back into connection.
• Maintain a strutting basic pulse and center rotation to make the redirect effortless.

REMEMBER:

• Comfort is paramount; followers should skip the move if the arm position causes shoulder or arm discomfort.
• The toss itself creates the turn's energy, so leaders should focus on the natural pathway of the follower's arm.
• Hand connection in the Texas Tommy hold is not used for leading; rely on forearm contact instead.
• This move is optional and can be added to a lean-to whenever desired, with counts not fixed to the music.