The best way to do swivels....

[peachexploration]

Swivels and/or cross-over swivels are done with a double open hold. There should be strong pressure between leader and follower. From my classes, I learned that the leader needs to planted into the floor in order to make swivels work. I find that if the leader moves his arms, it throws me off balance. I see it done both ways. Follows, which do you prefer? Or it doesn't matter? If the leader moves along with you, how do you keep your balance?

[hopelessly_addicted]

Swivels and/or cross-over swivels are done with a double open hold. There should be strong pressure between leader and follower. From my classes, I learned that the leader needs to planted into the floor in order to make swivels work. I find that if the leader moves his arms, it throws me off balance. I see it done both ways. Follows, which do you prefer? Or it doesn't matter? If the leader moves along with you, how do you keep your balance?

The leader definately needs to plant their feet into the floor because they really need to be stable for this to work. As a follower, I'd be pressing forward a little. I find it helpful if the leader presses forward his right hand to signal right swivel (and presses forward his left hand for the left swivel) I think the secret to this move is maintaining just enough tension between the dancers so that the follower doesn't lean towards the leader too much (or lose balance in general).

Is this move used often in clubs? I thought it was mainly used in "Latin" (ballroom) style salsa (haven't seen this move executed much around in clubs)

[peachexploration]

..Is this move used often in clubs? I thought it was mainly used in "Latin" (ballroom) style salsa (haven't seen this move executed much around in clubs)

I have taken some LA Style and the instructor (who also has an extensive background in ballroom and LA Style Salsa) teaches the lead tends to be too light or there is not enough tension and/or too much movement from the leader. I have taken some cuban style as well and it is definitely taught that the leader has to be firmly planted and preferably still except for upper body movement. I'm thinking it should maybe be the same way for LA Style?

[hopelessly_addicted]

I'm thinking it should maybe be the same way for LA Style?

as far as im concerned, yes. I learnt this move from a LA style teacher.

[youngsta]

I use it and see it used fairly often in clubs. I only execute it with follows I've danced with before, ones that I know will help me create the right amount of tension. When I do lead it I use very little arm movement with my partner.

[SDsalsaguy]

Exactly. There should be little -- if any! -- hand motion. Eiether the leader should remain a still base or the compression on each side should be generated by shifts of the leaders rib cage only (and not from the arms/hands).

[squirrel]

What exactly is a swivel? Sorry, I am not familiar with certain terms...

[peachexploration]

Hmm, okay think of it as doing the twist sort of, except it is counter motion between the upper and lower parts of your body. On the balls of your feet and as you twist you can do toe flicks. I hope that makes sense. :? I'll see if I can find a video clip. :)

[hopelessly_addicted]

Exactly. There should be little -- if any! -- hand motion. Eiether the leader should remain a still base or the compression on each side should be generated by shifts of the leaders rib cage only (and not from the arms/hands).

Ohh so the signal to do swivals is not actually from hand motion but from the shifts of the leaders rib cage.. it's interesting cause as a follower, I don't really know what exactly leaders do to lead - I just know what it feels like to be led in the right way or the wrong way. Very useful to know so that I can give a constructive feedback when a leader asks for one when doing swivals. Thanks SD!

[SDsalsaguy]

There are (of course :lol: ) different theories/philosophies about how to lead/follow, but I've always subscribed to the idea that leads should be generated from the center... hence use the ribs (vs. the arms) to build compression. To my way of thinking, as soon as the leader starts trying to lead this with his hands/arms he has broken his own frame which, in turn, compromises the connection between the partners (and hence any real leading/following).

[squirrel]

I did not understand... gotta see it! :(

[peachexploration]

It's not the best example but at least you can get the idea. Take a look here :arrow: salsastudent.com/DancePatternsInt.html

It is the ArchAngel clip. Follow does swivels right before the dip. :)

[squirrel]

cannot access the site... :( I'll try when I get home...

[peachexploration]

Squirrel, did you ever get to view the clip?

[squirrel]

Nah... probably in the weekend... weekdays are crazy for me lately... didn't have a chance to cook at all! And the house looks like a war area... :(