The Sentada (Sitting)
The sentada is executed by the follower mounting, or appearing to mount, the lead’s supporting leg. It is sometimes used as a dramatic embellishment at the end of the dance.
Sentada from Back Ocho
How to Lead a Sentada: The leader should start by leading the follower into back ochos. On the back ocho to the right after the follower has stepped backwards, the leader should stop the follower from pivoting into the next back ocho and pause. The leader’s weight will be on their right foot as will the followers. The follower can do a little boleo embellishment with their left foot while during the pause. The leader then begins to transfer their weight from their right foot to their left foot causing the leader to simultaneously lead the follower into what initially seems like a forward ocho. However, instead of allowing the follower to place their left foot on the ground, the leader gives the follower a slight lift and turns their chest a little to the left causing the follower to wrap their left leg around the leader’s left leg. The leader then continues to transfer more of their weight onto their left foot causing the follower’s right foot to move forward and upwards leading the follower into a sitting position half resting on the leader’s left thigh. The follower looks sat on the leader’s left thigh and somewhat cradled in the leader’s arms. The leader can momentarily pause in this position allowing the follower to do a little head embellishment. The follower can then dismantle and end the move.
