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Spiral turns are popular and beautiful turns used in all dances – especially Latin Dances.
As we discussed in Part 1 of this series on turns and spins, there are only
two directions in which you can rotate on a standing foot – towards the
outside of the foot or towards the inside of the foot.
From these two directions, you can execute five types of turns or rotations:
By learning these 5 types of rotating actions, you will be on your way to
mastering any type of turn or rotation in any pattern!
In previous issues we concentrated on the first two types of turns –
Inside Swivels (Part 1) and Outside Swivels (Part 2).
In this issue we will be concentrating on the third type of turn – “Spiral Turns”.
TURN EXERCISE 3 – SPIRAL TURN
(Print this page so you can try this exercise as you read it).
Stand with your right side next to a table or kitchen counter.
Now put your right hand on the counter and stand with your feet
together, with your weight towards the ball of your right foot.
Take a long step forward with your left foot, pushing from your
supporting (or right) foot. As your left foot becomes the supporting
foot, keep your right foot back with pressure against the floor. On
the ball of your left foot, swivel one full turn to your right, allowing
the right leg to curl around the left leg. (You will end up facing in
the same direction with the weight on your left foot, and your right
leg curled around your left leg).
Now stand with the counter on your left side, feet together and the
weight towards the ball of the left foot.
Put your left hand on the counter and take a long step forward with
your right foot, pushing from your supporting (or left) foot. As your
right foot becomes the supporting foot, keep your left foot back with
pressure against the floor. On the ball of your right foot, swivel one
full turn to your left allowing the left leg to curl around the right leg.
(You will end up facing in the same direction with the weight on
your right foot, and your left leg curled around your right leg).
Repeat the same exercise several times.
As you get more proficient, you can practice away from the counter
and concentrate on keeping your balance on the supporting column,
as well as maintaining tension between your thighs during the turn.
Happy Dancing
Blanche & Emilio
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Next Issue – Pivot Turns – A very popular turn that allows you to travel while turning
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