OK so in my first beginners lesson ever the routine was Side to Side into Astaire Lean into American Spin.

However, whenever I try to do something similar in freestyle, I usually get stuck at the same point.

After the side to sides, you pull the lady across in front of you to get into the right to left handhold for the Astaire. But most ladies seem to want to spin a bit so we end up right to right instead. I've asked my instructor for tips, but he just said to make sure you're pulling her straight accross not twisting at all, so I've tried this but it doesn't work.

Any tips?