Ah, the spot turn - easily one of my favourite movements in all of partner dancing. Last time, we took a look at the underarm turn as the informal ‘spot turn’. Now it’s time to look at the true spot turn; that is, a couple turning together around a common point. Don’t know what I mean? Check this out:
There’s a lot of little elements that make this movement smooth and fun, so let’s get to it.
The ‘J’ Lead
The initial goal is to start with an open break (both sides break-step back), then come together by contracting the arms, creating the momentum for the turn. Consider the letter ‘J’.
Note it’s long body, with a little hook at the bottom curving to the right. This is exactly the shape the leader’s left arm makes as he brings himself and his partner together. The main action is the movement towards each other, with the hook to the right as the little ‘afterthought’ at the end.
The J hook that initiates the spot turn is often overlooked by a day-dreaming follower. Be on your guard whenever he initiates an open break, but don’t anticipate!
Incidentally, followers can make this rotation easier by…
Aiming for the Right Side
Remember your high school years, when you’d be walking down the hallway, and some jerk would slam into your shoulder and send you spinning? Likewise, followers are aiming for the inside of the leader’s right shoulder when they step forward to reconnect. While there’s no actual collision, the rightward turn of the shoulder will give you a much stronger lead around the circle.
Leaders can visualize the right side of their body as a door swinging open to make the turn stronger. Just don’t lean into it - keep the shoulders parallel!
By stepping towards the leader’s right side, the follower should end up stepping in between his legs. Stepping outside the legs will cause you to run around each other like you’re doing the do-si-do.
Rather, you want to stay facing towards each other, but slightly turned to the right so the lead will take you forward and around, not sideways, tripping up your feet.
Every Step is a Pivot
If you find it’s hard to keep facing your partner, try dancing the spot turn on your toes. Any easier? With your heels off the floor, your toes are free to turn to keep you facing your partner. Of course, you don’t normally dance a spot turn this way, but keeping your weight off the heels and on the front part of your feet will allow you to turn more comfortably with getting ‘stuck’.
Consider buying some latin dance shoes to help you with turns in the long run. The higher heel brings the weight onto your balls, making turns easier.
The Human Top
Remember when you used to do this? (This is Nostalgia Week, apparently)
The excitement of it came from the centrifugal force that pulled you away from each other while you spun. You probably noticed it got stronger if your feet were closer together (try it with a friend now if you like, I don’t judge).
When we spot turn, we likewise want to stretch slightly away from each other with our upper backs. Followers will feel their back settle more firmly in the leaders hand as the momentum carries you both around in a breathless woosh!
Be care to avoid bringing in your frame too closely - it makes your legs fly out instead! And no dancer likes a surprise mule kick.