If you don't hold a black belt in ballet, spinning can be a challenge! Here's some tips to help you get started...

TIPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN:

1. When spinning, start moving your shoulders first in the direction you're spinning and keep them square. It is not just your feet that spins you, but your a combination of foot pressure and upper body.

2. Point your feet out in a 60 degree angle to the sides (left foot 11 o'clock, right foot 1 o'clock), not straight ahead. This will help you spin and dance with more balance and also stop those spins without tipping over. You will have more control and look better dancing.

3. Maintain good posture. Never hunch over or stick your bum out with your back arched. Good posture means that your back should be straight. Your chin should be leveled with the floor and ears should be directly over your shoulders as if you're standing up against a wall.

4. Finding your center is very important and only accomplished with good posture. It will allow you to keep your balance (on either foot) without tipping over.

5. SPOTTING is VERY important! When starting a spin, keep your head in one place, then, when your shoulders are almost half way around, whip your head around as fast as possible in a 360 degree turn to face the same direction again. When practicing, use something to spot at (same level as your eyes).

6. Just think, if you can do 1 spin perfectly, then treat each spin as one, just repeat the same thing over and over.. :)

7. Getting Dizzy? When practicing multiple spins, you may find yourself getting dizzy, sometimes nauseous. Spotting helps, but if not, spin at a slower speed in the opposite direction a couple of times to "unwind" . It DOES work!

8. DO NOT practice spins with rubber-soled shoes, socks or bare feet. You will ruin your knees and ankles. Use baby powder on sticky floors and make sure to wear dance shoes.

9. Last but not lea st ... PRACTICE! The only way you're going to get good at spinning is with lots and lots of PRACTICE! Don't get discouraged ... it takes time.

TIPS FOR LADIES ONLY:

1. Keep a good frame when your partner is spinning you. Frame (when spinning) means that the arm which you're being turned with, stays in a 90 degree angle as the elbow faces down (for right turns, using right arm & left turns using left arm). Do not stretch your arm at any time. Keep your arm in front of you, corner of your eye (between 1 and 2 o'clock).

2. The speed of multiple spins are controlled by the ladies. You should spin at the pace you feel most comfortable with. If you start getting dizzy, then stop.

3. If you're going to wear heels when you go out dancing, then wear heels to practice your spins.

4. Practice your spins until you can do it WITHOUT any help ... you should be able to spin on your own, and just use your partner's hand as a guide, your parter will give you more power to spin faster than you can on your own as well as more control and balance. With a good leader, you should be able to spin better, faster and more!

5. Spinning with your hair down, can make your life more difficult if you have long hair. Also, it makes it difficult to spot since your hair is in your eyes most of the time ... You'll find that putting your hair up in a bun, helps 100%. All Ballerinas can't be wrong! ;)

6. Remember, when spinning on the spot, keep your heels are knees together & stay on your toes.

TIPS FOR MEN - LEADERS:

1. Maintain good frame. Lift your arm 1 or 2 inches above the ladies head, move your hand in a circle motion using at least 3 fingers to spin her. Maintain your frame steady and strong!

2. Give her time to prepare her feet first. When preparing the girl for a multiple spin, it is preferable to start spinning her slowly, then moving up in momentum, as she can handle it.

3. When trying to stop her multiple spins, never pull her arm to stop, gently squeeze her hand and bring her arm down when she's almost facing you.

...AND REMEMBER ... SPINNING IS FUN!

Thank you for taking the time to read our "Tips on Spinning Technique" and keep checking our site for more tips!

Any questions, email us at info@latinenergy.ca.