Latin dance - Arm movement

[CantFigure]

Thus far in my lessons, we've just been learning some basic footwork. And now we've introduced arm movement, specifically with side turns (I think is the technical name for it?). However, when I try to do it, I feel very awkward and unnatural. Not to mention I almost hit my teacher in the face a few times. Are there are tips or tricks to master this?

[Sagitta]

Are we talking about ballroom/studio/club lessons? Context might help. I'm not quite sure what you mean by side turns....how much do you turn. Are you facing your instructor before the turn? Do you turn clockwise/anti-clockwise from your perspective and after the turn is over where are you in relation to your instructor? Facing your instructor again, back to instructor or?

[waltzgirl]

Welcome to DF!

It would probably help people give you advice if you described the step and the arm movement your teacher wants in a little more detail.

But in general, a lot of people feel uncomfortable at first with being expressive with their arms. I think there has been a thread on this topic in the past. You might want to use the search function and see if it turns up. Part of the problem is that to use the arms naturally and effectively really involves using the back muscles in a way that beginning dancers usually have trouble with. Just keep at it. Like everything else in dance, it will get easier with practice.

Getting hit by beginning students is an occupational hazard for dance teachers. He's used to it!

[meow]

Getting hit by beginning students is an occupational hazard for dance teachers. He's used to it!

Getting hit by any student can be an occupational hazard.:rolleyes:

[danceronice]

Getting hit by your pro when you screw up is a student hazard! (I've gotten myself knocked in the head because I wouldn't relax my arm enough on the underarm turn.)

I'm really self-conscious about the arm-movement thing, too, although on some (like one the group pro showed us for the simpler version of stop and go in Jive) I'm more concerned about whacking my partner in the face. Bad enough with a pro, who's at least used to getting bopped by students, but I'm really nervous about smacking another unsuspecting student in the class!

[CantFigure]

I step forward on my left foot, turning counter clock wise. At the end I face my instructor (he moves). He says I should open out my arms as I'm turning, and that it should be a natural progression of movement.

I tried searching for "arm expression" and "arm movement" but arm can't be included in any searches because it is too small of a word. If someone could link me to a similar thread, I would very much appreciate it!