Come on, come on, spin a little tighter...

sometimes it does feel like trying to spot makes me a bit woozy where if I don't think about it so much I can spin, spin, spin; I don't even know if I am closing my eyes or just not focusing or focusing on my arm in front of my face (I don't think so, but I tried that a few times). In class, I think... in social, I usually just dance. I think I'm getting better, but it's a slow process. I would really love to check out that video (and maybe Edie's lady styling)... could someone who has a great video PM the exact title, publisher, and ISBN so I can get the library to order them for me (very limited income at the momen). Thanx!
 
yeah you're right! the times I find myself feeling dizzy is mostly when I focus on spotting.
But at the same time, I work on it because it seems to help achieve more and better spins - for example with free spins, it helps me with staying on the spot instead of crashing into other dancers.

but I like the way a small number of spins (2 or 3) feel without the stop-style spots, very light, effortless, less energy, also depending on the speed

I'll look up the video and send the link to you (I have a copy but it's at home and probably dusty ;) )
 
BrookeErin said:
... and the world's a little brighter

my ability to spin is a bit too dependent on my lead :oops:

What tips do y'all have to really improve my spins?
Specifically, I try to spot (about half the time) but I don't know that I know how to do it... can someone explain spotting?

Hopefully, tomorrow I'll have some time to put on my dance shoes and practice spinning in the kitchen (wood floors) with your help.
Click to expand...

Sharp spotting is so important in turns...try this.....stand facing a mirror. Now turn your entire body slowly, except for your head, as far as you can turn while still able to see yourself in the mirror. (look directly into your eyes). Then when you have turned your body as far as possible without moving your head or eyes, you very quickly, snap your head around so that it is the first part of the body to finish the turn. The head is the last to start the turn and the first to finish the turn.

Angel and Gabe have a quadruple pirouette in their duo and at the end Angel does a quadruple spin. It is up on thier website on the homepage. Just click on "Videos" and then click on the duo "Where Did You Learn To Dance?." Watch for their spots in the turns. Watching that, with these instructions might make something click. Hope this helps.
 
When dancing salsa, if I have to spin or turn, I spot with eye contact. I think it makes it more intimate and connected. That lingering look before your head whizzes round... it's the only thing about my dancing several guys have complimented me on.
 
Just realized why my technique for 3 or more spins is actually subpar. I mean sometimes I can do many but sooner or later a bad habit catches up to me. The real trouble zone is the arm/shoulder tension for lead-spins.

I'm sure it's been said a lot: keeping the arm at 90 degrees in front of you, and never varying it, with the right halo overhead. that allow the leader to lead several spins, and if followed correctly, keeps follower on the spot, without significant dizziness

It's harder than it sounds, maintaining that stiff arm...one more thing to work on

This is important because sometimes you have no idea just how many spins the lead wants (especially those that get excited after seeing you easily do fewer spins and decide to up the game to test you haaha!)
 
I got some good feedback last night that I am spinning better. I still "don't have time" to get myself prepped for all the technique that is in my head... basically, it's in my head and not in my body at the moment, so I need more warning... but I think I'll get there slowly.
 
cool! well sometimes the right prep is not provided, so can practice lead-spins without preps, or shortening the prep time? I don't have that down to a science either

Free spins are much easier to control alone, provided you have appropriate momentum and spot (with shoulders square, arms in front of chest).
I was able to do 4 1/2 from a variant of the cabbage patch move without feeling dizzy or unstable the other night
 
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