Good Spins and Turns in Ballroom Dancing
Turning and Spinning Technique for Men and Women
Jun 9, 2009
Learning how to spin and turn properly in Ballroom and Latin dancing takes a lot of patience and practice. However, the investment is well worth the effort, paying off with less dizziness and more grace. Practicing for just a few minutes per day will help students to dance better in no time.
Good Spin and Turn Technique for Ballroom/Latin Dancing
Here are some techniques for executing good spins and turns:
- Maintain as straight a center of balance as possible. Stand up straight and do not look down. At first, arms should be kept close to the body, but arm and head styling can be added to spins and turns when the dancer has gained some mastery.
- Take small steps. Large steps distort the turn and throw the dancer off balance, often causing the spin to travel more than it should or in the wrong direction.
- Squeeze. When turning, squeeze the thighs together and pull the tummy to the spine. This helps to make the spin fast and in control and helps the dancer to stop again after it is over.
- Think from the opposite side of the body. If the dancer is turning left, they should think about bringing the right side of their body around, almost like the right side is trying to catch up with the left side. This is in contrast to many beginning dancers’ natural inclination to pull the left side back. However, this distorts the body, slowing down the spin. The spin should also come from the body turning, not from trying to turn with the legs. However, for one-footed inside turns (i.e., turning left while standing on the right foot), turning the foot to the inside in addition to turning the body can add to the speed of the turn.
- Spot. To avoid becoming dizzy, pick a spot and watch it as long as possible, turning the head at the last possible moment, then fixing on it again as soon as possible. This can be a spot on the wall or the partner’s face.
Exercise to Practice Spins and Turns in Ballroom/Latin Dancing
One cannot master good technique without practicing. A good exercise to practice spins and turns is to break a channe turn down into pieces. Take a small step to the left and turn 180 degrees, bringing the right side of the body around and bringing the right foot to the left. Change weight to the right foot, turn another 180 degrees to the left and step to the side on the left foot. This will make a complete turn. Practice each of the techniques while turning slowly, 180 degrees at a time, slowly increasing the speed until all of the techniques are incorporated in a full-speed spin.
Spinning and turning is an essential part of Ballroom and Latin Dancing. Spending a few minutes per day practicing good spin and turn technique will improve one’s dancing in no time.
