[Tango-L] What the heck is a Right foot front cross step?

[Jack Dylan]

The great thing about Naveira's terminology is that the lady's step is determined 
by her position relative to the man. For example; if the lady steps LF backward 
on the man's right side, this would be a LF back cross. This means, for example, 
that the man could lead her directly into a Back Ocho or a Giro to Left, both of 
which incorporate a LF back cross.
But if the lady stepped LF backward on the man's left side, this would be a LF open 
step. This means, again for example, that the man could lead her directly into a Giro 
to Right, which incorprates a LF open step. He couldn't lead her directly into an Ocho 
without an intermediate step. 
To call the lady's step a LF backward step tells you very little about the possibilities of 
what might follow, whereas a LF back cross or a LF open step tells you many things. 
This is a great help in understanding improvisation as it opens up a world of possibilities 
that you may not have learned in class or by trial and error on the dance floor.
Btw, I hope you've now realised that an 'open step' is not necessarily a side step. It 
could also be taken forwards or backwards. It depends on the relative positions of the 
couple.
Larry, I hope that helps and welcome to the 21st century :-)
Jack

----- Original Message ----
> From: "larrynla at juno.com" <larrynla at juno.com>
> 
> What about explaining just what a R/L foot open step is?  And what is a R/L foot 
> F/B cross step?
> 
> Larry de Los Angeles
>