There are two figures involving Opening Out action, 1) Opening Out to R and L, 2) Natural Opening Out Movement.
Sounds very similar, but can never be confused.
Footwork for opening out to either side for man is very easy, because he just needs to dance Cucarachas, but the lead is different- a subtle push at lady's shoulder blade.
Personally I think lady's foot positions in Rumba's Opening Out are more like the Rock in Samba (regardless the footwork and weight distribution for now). Here in Rumba she needs to step on one foot to pivot 90 degrees, and stretch out the arms and hands.
The other figure that relates to 'Opening Out' is the 'Natural Opening Out Movement'. The most obvious difference is amount of turn.
There is no turn for man in Opening Out to R and L, none in foot alignment none in body alignment.
However in Natural Opening Out Movemnt, there is slight body turn whereas there is no turn in foot alignment.
Lady's part is a little more complicated than man's. For lady, the first step is already a half turn in Natural Opening Out Movement. And when she turns back to the Closed hold, she needs to step forward and slightly across, that naturally presents a quarter turn in this position before weight is changed. Once the ball-flat step is done, as the weight is transferred there will naturally be another quarter turn.
Only by reading the descriptions, you might all get puzzled. However, once you practice it attentively, you will find the amount of turn and the footwork is a natural result if corrrct and precise foot position and weight distribution.
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