Lasso
Intermediate Level
Going deeper — techniques and nuances for experienced dancers
A circular arm lead that traces an arc over the follower's head — like drawing a halo with your hand connection.
Intermediate focus
Use the lasso as a setup tool. A lasso that continues past the head can wrap into a sombrero. A lasso that reverses mid-arc becomes a copa-type redirect. Practice lassoing into different positions: into cuddle, into sweetheart, into a back-to-back. Also experiment with lassoing on different counts — a lasso that starts on count 1 versus count 5 creates different rhythmic feels.
Tips
- •Leader: imagine you're holding a pen and drawing a perfect circle on the ceiling. That's the quality of motion you want.
- •Keep the circle above the follower's crown by at least 6 inches. Give her room to exist inside the arc.
- •Follower: maintain gentle upward pressure during the overhead portion — this keeps the connection alive and prevents the hand from sliding apart.
Common mistakes
- •Making the circle too tight, forcing the follower to duck or scrunch her shoulders
- •Leading the lasso with stiff, locked arms instead of soft, flowing elbows
- •Losing hand grip during the overhead portion because of poor grip rotation
- •Spinning the hand too fast, creating a windmill effect rather than a controlled arc
Practice drill
Solo practice first: hold a water bottle in your hand and trace slow, perfect circles overhead. The water shouldn't slosh. Then with a partner: 10 lassos clockwise, 10 counterclockwise, focusing on maintaining a perfectly round path with consistent speed throughout.