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pygmalion
11-29-2003, 06:22 PM
Another technical question for experienced ballroom dancers. How did you go about developing your spirals? Mine are just starting to come online now -- weight transfer problems, I think. But for the newbies, how do you go about practicing and eventually perfecting spirals?
dolceamore
12-28-2003, 04:18 PM
um... i dunno ANYTHING about standard or smoothe.. so are you asking about Latin? b.c if it's latin, atleast in Intl. what i think of is try to go up on your tip toes and use your inner thighs to squeeze your legsto turn you and when you land, settle your hip to keep your balance. try it slow. and then increase your speed and tell me if you understand what i mean, and if you dont i will try to find better words to help you. :)
pygmalion
12-28-2003, 05:02 PM
That's a good question -- straight leg versus bent for spirals. I'll ask my coach tomorrow, because I do American rhythm. But the concept of spirals is the same, I believe. Going into releve as you suggest, I still find hard to do, so I'm still working the spirals with my heels on the floor. On the toes is next. I must admit releve looks nicer, though. :?
msc
12-28-2003, 07:28 PM
I find it's easiest if you turn from your base first. Multiple teachers have taught that technique to me, and it seems effective.
pygmalion
12-28-2003, 07:53 PM
I'll talk to my coach about this, msc. He has me using the same technique as with spins -- top half first. But I'll talk to him about the base first approach. Thanks for the tip. :D
msc
12-28-2003, 10:30 PM
Yeah, it's counterintuitive, no doubt. Try it both ways and see which way is best for you. I can create a lot more acceleration into and out of the turn (i.e., quick turn with a sharp stop,) if I turn from the base first.
IsaacAltman
12-28-2003, 11:39 PM
Absolutely commence all spiral turns from your hips. Keep pressure on the back foot before and during the turn. Keep your heels on the floor during the turn especially if its only one turn. The leg that wraps around will be bend upon arrival in normal circumstances while the other will be straight. I started teaching Ballroom professionally in 1972 (F.A.D.S.)