There is a season to turn everything, but it is not now. Comfortable and efficient execution of turn is something that can really set your dancing apart. It is also however, one of the things that can significantly limit our dancing experience. If we can execute turns with ease, we can be balanced and in control, we have no problem with timing and our partnering seems to be automatic. This is of course the goal for most dancers, that they find ease and pleasure in their dancing.
When it comes to turn technique, there are many things we can do to assist in turning with ease. Often, the first thing we address is posture. If we are lifted through our body and maintain our head weight over a lengthened spine we already have an edge in executing turn. We also address where turn is initiated, through our center and not through our feet or shoulders. Armed with this turn technique information we feel ready to tackle any turn combination that comes our way.
Another aspect of turn technique that is often overlooked or even misunderstood is that the body must turn in pieces. No not a jig saw jumble of pieces, but understanding and having a better awareness of internal isolations and oppositions can significantly improve your turning ability. Sometimes we are instructed that the body turns as a whole, and yes, the body must maintain a tone or integrity while turning, that does not mean everything stays stiff as a board while we turn. We must allow for partnering, armstyling and in a word – freedom while we turn.
Some exercises that will help us develop this freedom include: Turning with a side leading. What this means is that as we generate a turn, the side that corresponds to the direction of the turn must be rotated forward in and out of the turn. This is often difficult if you are generating the turn through your shoulders or if you have a tendency to overturn.
Freedom of our feet in a turn. This is important because unless you are turning in the air, your feet are in constant contact with the floor while you turn, understanding and controlling your foot pressure can really assist your turn. If you have too little foot pressure you may have difficulty with control and balance, if too much, you might have trouble completing the turn. The Ballroom dances offer an assistance here because you train that your feet must rotate to a particular alignment, but the remainder of the body must always turn less.
Freedom of the arms and shoulders. This is important in all styles for the dancer to execute beautiful and fluid turns but is of particular importance for the partner dances because it is through the arms and shoulders that we are most often related by touch to our partners. If you are generating your turn through your shoulders you do not have the freedom to also be related to your partner while you turn. Also if we are rigid through our arms and shoulders we might set up a situation where we are uncomfortable or even risk injury when our partner turns us. The point to remember is maintain your shoulders in their sockets but keep a free and relaxed elbow and wrist, this allows the arms to move freely while still maintaining integrity through the body.
Turns, like all other aspects of our dancing are multifaceted and are often worth a second look. We may feel we understand turn technique but a second glance might reveal even more, creating more ease and effectiveness in our dancing. Experiment with turn technique and enjoy the benefits.
Lawrence Black is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Lawrence or any of our teacher call 505-989-9788 to schedule.
