When lead to do multiple spins, as in 4 or more, I find myself losing focus on my spot. I don't lose my spot entirely, but I definitely am doing something that causes me to get dizzy and in turn lose my balance by spin 5 or 6. Can anyone help me with this? Or is there a signal I should be giving the lead that he needs to stop spinning me? Please help!
Losing my spot!
- Thread starter ready2learn
- Start date
azzey
Son Montuno
Are we talking spot spins here? or travelling - cross body spins?
How many beats are the 4 spins over? Is it 1 or 2 beats per spin?
Do you have perfect balance after 4 spins? or do you sometimes wabble?
Have you taken private lessons to get feedback on your spinning technique?
If you have very good body technique when you spin and cannot find any problems there then I would say it's likely in the spotting itself.
Have you taken a video of yourself spinning and slowed it down to see what your head (and body) is doing?
If you're changing the speed at which you spot or tilting your head then it could make you dizzy. Just a guess here without further information.
azzey
Son Montuno
I just did a search on other posts that you'd made to familiarise myself with your level and found these...
Multiple spins, shines, and musicality???
My feet hurt!!!
Have you resolved the feet hurting problem? I assume you have good dance shoes yes?
If you've only been dancing 7 months, even with the private lessons I would doubt you have had the necessary time to practice and hone the technique for 4 clean spins.
According to the spins thread, you weren't using your arms correctly. Have you sorted this? Where are your arms now during the spins?
When you spin on your own at what point do you start to wabble?
If you practice 1 perfect spin, then 2, then 3, then 4, what parts of your body move out of alignment first?
Lead-follow spins are a different dynamic. So even if you can spin 4 times on your own well your following during lead spins may have other issues. Usually in the arm, shoulder or head.
The biggest thing about lead spins is being able to maintain a smooth connection through your arm without moving the position of the halo (hand making a guiding circle around your head) or shoulder out of alignment.
With the leads that you are practicing with are they capable or leading 5 or 6 perfect spins with other followers e.g. instructors? (Once a lead is able to do this there is often no limit to the number of spins he can achieve with a truely good spinner).
On the flip side, there are things an otherwise good lead may do to upset a followers balance during spinning. Instead he should be aiding you in staying stable and in the correct position to enable you to complete more spins than you would otherwise be able to do on your own.
Multiple spins, shines, and musicality???
My feet hurt!!!
Have you resolved the feet hurting problem? I assume you have good dance shoes yes?
If you've only been dancing 7 months, even with the private lessons I would doubt you have had the necessary time to practice and hone the technique for 4 clean spins.
According to the spins thread, you weren't using your arms correctly. Have you sorted this? Where are your arms now during the spins?
When you spin on your own at what point do you start to wabble?
If you practice 1 perfect spin, then 2, then 3, then 4, what parts of your body move out of alignment first?
Lead-follow spins are a different dynamic. So even if you can spin 4 times on your own well your following during lead spins may have other issues. Usually in the arm, shoulder or head.
The biggest thing about lead spins is being able to maintain a smooth connection through your arm without moving the position of the halo (hand making a guiding circle around your head) or shoulder out of alignment.
With the leads that you are practicing with are they capable or leading 5 or 6 perfect spins with other followers e.g. instructors? (Once a lead is able to do this there is often no limit to the number of spins he can achieve with a truely good spinner).
On the flip side, there are things an otherwise good lead may do to upset a followers balance during spinning. Instead he should be aiding you in staying stable and in the correct position to enable you to complete more spins than you would otherwise be able to do on your own.
What a great response! Well first of all, my feet hurting has been resolved. I believe it was just my muscles building from the increased level of dancing. I have very good dance shoes, but it's probably time to have them repaired, even though they are only 2months old 
The spinning problem persists whether it's traveling or spot spins. The spins are each one beat, and I have good control until the fourth spin, although I am not able to do four clean spins on my own, without being lead. Maybe that is what I need to work on right now. I prefer to power my own spins with a gentle lead, but I think I rely on the connection to give me the confidence to continue spinning. My arms are under control, but the halo may be an issue...possibly I am not holding the position well enough. Some of the leads are better at leading me than others, so it's not always such an issue. I will eventually lose my balance at 7 or so even with my favorite lead, but in general this is an issue by spin 4. I definitely would benefit from some private lessons, but it's just not in my budget right now.
This is all very good advice, thank you!
The spinning problem persists whether it's traveling or spot spins. The spins are each one beat, and I have good control until the fourth spin, although I am not able to do four clean spins on my own, without being lead. Maybe that is what I need to work on right now. I prefer to power my own spins with a gentle lead, but I think I rely on the connection to give me the confidence to continue spinning. My arms are under control, but the halo may be an issue...possibly I am not holding the position well enough. Some of the leads are better at leading me than others, so it's not always such an issue. I will eventually lose my balance at 7 or so even with my favorite lead, but in general this is an issue by spin 4. I definitely would benefit from some private lessons, but it's just not in my budget right now.
This is all very good advice, thank you!
azzey
Son Montuno
Yes, you should definitely practice multiple spot spins, travelling pivots and spins in a line on your own in front of a mirror. You may be able to spot the problem yourself.
The better you are at maintaining your balance and overall technique (including arms) the less things to go wrong during partnerwork.
What you spot on (and it's height off the floor) is also important.. is it moving itself...
Then if the problem persists video yourself with a partner and look for the part of the body that moves out of alignment first. Maintaining a good right angle on your spinning arm is essential as is getting the right tension quality.
Happy spinning!