*Latin Dancers may refer to the previous articles for technique in the Spinning chapters.
the Spin & Turn Part 1 to Part 6
Part 1- 11 elementary Spins & Turns in Dancing
Part 2- Chain Turn & Three Step Turn
Part 3- Spin Technique in Latin Dancing
Part 4- Salsa SpinsTricks
Part 5- Tips for beginnersPart 6- The use of Body
and Turning and Spotting part 1 & part 2
Turning and Spotting part 1
Turning and Spotting part 2
Multiple Turns
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A series of turns of the same kind. The pirouette turn is often the first turn the dancer attempts to execute as a multiple turn, though any turn may be multipled.
Multiple piroutetter turns require the dancer to complete each turn with a strong whip of the head to maintain a spot. During these multiple turns, the head must quickly rotate with each turn and the eyes must spot on a fixed point to maintain balance and control. The torso must also be well supported by the back muscles. Correct arm positions and arm control are equally essential in achieving multiple turns. Arms should be held in fifth front or en avant position with the elbows lifted and an isometric contraction involving the muscles of the upper back and the latissimus dorsi.
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Barrel Turn
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Begin in wide second position. Lunge toward one leg, reaching with the opposite arm toward the lunging leg. Twist shoulders and torso so that the same arm of the supporting lunge leg can be lifted high and toward the rear. The turn is an outward (en dehors) pirouette done with the supporting leg in demi-plie. The body leans fwd to begin the turn and arches during the rotation of the turn. The arms circle during the turn, creating a windmill effect.
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Drag Turn
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Begin in the same prep as the pirouette en dedans. As executing the turn, the leg that would normally be the passe leg drags on the floor next to the foot of the supporting leg. Drag the foot with the toes pointed under, holding the foot near the arch of the supporting leg.
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Pencil Turn
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A type of pirouette, but instead of the nonsupporting leg being held in the passe position, the turn is executed with both legs straight and the nonsupporting leg pulled tightly alongside the supporting leg. The arms are usually pulled straight against the sides of the body.
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Pique Turn
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The ‘Point’ turn is borrowed from ballet, which is a full turn in turned out releve on one foot and progresses in a straight line. Prep with one leg in demi-plie and the other leg straight fwd. Begin by stepping sideward with the straight leg in releve. The opposite leg closes to a low passe position behind the knee of the straight leg during the turn. The turn ends in the prep position, and the straight leg then steps sideward again for the next round. It is important to extend the leg fully when stepping into releve and to step directly under the straight leg when coming to plie from the passe position.
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