How to country dance with spins
7 tips to master your Spins & Turns for Country Two Step
by West Coast Swing Online
Spins and Turns in Country Two Step can be very challenging. In this article we will take you through 7 different things you can do to improve your spins today! If you don’t know your basic two step patterns, you’ll want to learn them first!
TAKE ACTION> Download The #1 drill to improve your spins
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7 Tips to Master your Spins & Turns for Country Two Step
1. Spotting your spinsSpotting is the technique of snapping your eyes and neck on a focal point while you are turning to help with dizziness, focus, and speed. It is best to spot or focus on a point in space or a point on a wall, rather than a person or moving object. Spotting will always make your turns look sharp and focused. For ladies, it is helpful to have you hair pulled out of your face when practicing spotting. A loose ponytail makes turns feel sloppy. Read more about spotting here.
Drills for turns are an excellent way to perfect your spins. We have many great resources to help you. Check out our #1 drill to improve your spins
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Repetition of drills is the key. One of my favorite ways to drill spins is to practice chaines spins in a straight line across the floor using different arm positions.
Another good tool is to use something called a spin board. It is a little tool that looks a mini skateboard for one foot. You stand on it, and can drill pirouettes.
3. Balance in your turnsThe ability to balance in “releve” position, (the ballet term, meaning: on your toes) is a very important skill for turns in country two step.
This requires strong calf muscles and legs.
Core strength and stability will help with balance during spins. It is important to do core exercises outside of your dance practice, like planks, side planks, and back extensions.
Good posture is also very important for spin technique. Check out our tutorial on dance posture. Or learn more about improving your balance.
4. Learn the difference between different types of spins & turns for 2-StepPivots, chaines, spirals, forward walk turns, and hip twists are the different types of turns that you want to understand and execute.
Pivots are a step with a half rotation on each foot. Pivots can be danced solo or with a partner. Usually they involve a heal lead.
Chaines turns are half turns done on the toes. Chaine means chain in French. Check out this video explaining chaines turns.
Spirals and forward walk turns involve turning in the opposite direction of the standing leg, while hip twists turn in the same direction as the standing leg.
Find a coach that can give you personalized advice about how to improve your spins. Private lessons may be costly, but they are definitely worth the money. It is an investment in yourself.
6. Enroll in our Spins and Turns CourseWe have many online resources for country dancers, including blogs, videos, and online courses. Click here to register for our spins and turns course.
7. PracticeYou can only spin so many times in one day. So try to practice a little bit everyday. Don’t push it past the point of dizziness because then you will start to feel you are going down hill. Keep up your practice on a consistent basis and you will feel confident about your spins in no time! Read more about practicing alone
What are your favorite tips for perfecting turns for country two step? Let us know in the comments below.
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country dance spins tutorial | TikTok Search
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The Art of Dancing - Contents
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Program content Section 1. Introductory lesson. Subject: What is dance. Theory. The conversation is aimed at forming a sustainable interest in the subject of choreography. About the importance of choreography, interesting and outstanding personalities in the history of choreography, as well as the basic requirements for the subject and form of clothing in class. Practice. Team building games. Section 2. Training work 1. ABC of the Muses of Movement Subject. Life in motion. Theory. Repetition of previously studied material. Drawings in dance. Positions of legs, arms. jump types. Practice. Structural exercises, rebuilding. Gymnastic step. Circle, diagonal, column, line, gymnastic step, light running, running with a high knee, pairing, chess order, loose. Head positions. Head movements. Long jump, high jump. Theme. Gymnastics in the stalls. Theory. examples of complexes of physical exercises for the development of body muscles, flexibility, coordination Practice. Exercises without apparatus, with apparatus, acrobatic exercises. Gymnastic sketch. The complex includes exercises for different parts of the body, necessary for the development of mobility, flexibility and strengthening of the joints (legs, arms, torso, etc. Subject. Dance elements. Theory. Repetition of previously learned material. Explanations for performing dance movements. Practice. Execution of dance elements: march, run, jumps, spring, claps. Dance steps. Plastic etude "Do it like this". The use of exercises - finger gymnastics, game plastics. Etudes “Kitty wakes up”, “Flowers”, “Stomp, clap”, playing in pairs “Play ball”. 2. Elements of contemporary dance. Subject. Solemn march. Theory. Types of marches. march technique. Practice. Definition of a march in musical compositions. March learning. With the use of drawings, rebuildings, marching steps and figuratively effective movements. Subject. Hip-hop dance. Theory. History of the development of the dance direction. types and subspecies of direction. Practice. Movement learning. Performing dance combinations. Transmission of the image through movement. Subject. Country style. Theory. Practice. Movement learning. Performing dance combinations. Transmission of the image through movement. Subject. Charleston dance with objects. Theory. History of the development of the dance direction. types and subspecies of direction. Practice. Learning the dance moves of the Charleston dance. Performing dance combinations. Transferring the image of Charlie through the movements of this dance. Dance using an object. Subject. Rock and roll dance. Theory. The study of the dance direction of rock and roll. Practice. Learning movements. Performing dance combinations. Transmission of the image through movement. Theme. Lambada dance. Theory. Interesting facts from the history of dance. Practice. Learning the movements of the popular lambada dance. Performing dance combinations. Transmission of the image of aborigines through movement. Plot-figurative composition. Subject. Stage work. Theory. Explanation of the rules of work on the stage. scene points. The names of the parts of the scene. Practice. Preparation and rehearsal for the holiday "Visiting a Fairy Tale". Working out the coherence of movement, the order of performance and the ability to work in a team. Development and preparation of costumes for the performance. Collaboration on decorations. Dress rehearsal. Discipline. 3. Folk dance elements Theme. Ukrainian folk dance. Theory. Acquaintance with the main dance elements of Ukrainian folk dances. Explanations for the technique of performing dances. Practice. Learning exercise in the middle. Sketches. Movements: stomp, path, poke, vyhilyasnik, rope, bigunets, falls, shotguns. Moves: "road", stepping over, falling, variable step, etc. Execution of etudes based on the learned movements. Theme. Gypsy dance. Theory. Acquaintance with the basic dance elements. Parable about the gypsy people. Rites and customs of the gypsies. Practice. Learning dance elements. dance combinations. Movements: springy steps on half-toes, a triple step with bending the leg into an attitude, flick - fly, stepping on the spot with a kick, or flick-flak, cross steps with the other leg put on the toe to the side, etc. Hand positions: "eight", “card layout”, shoulder girth, etc. Performing etudes based on learned movements. Subject. Oriental dance. Theory. Introduction to the basic dance elements. Practice. Learning dance elements. dance combinations. Learning the movements characteristic of oriental dances: rotations - horizontal, vertical, wrist, as well as steps, wave-like movements of the hands, postures, and rotation of the head. Execution of etudes based on learned movements. Subject. Chinese dance. Theory. Features of the national dance of China. Types of dance performance. Holidays in China. Practice. Learning dance elements. dance combinations. Learning the movements and steps characteristic of Chinese dance. Wavy hand movements, port de bras, small steps. Execution of etudes based on learned movements. Subject. Jewish dance. Theory. The study of the characteristics of dance. Various rituals and holidays of the people. types of dances. Practice. Learning dance elements. dance combinations. Dance steps from the heel, spinning in place, jumps, polka step, hand positions, hand positions in a pair. Subject. Buryat folk dance. Theory. Studying the features of dance. Various rituals and holidays of the people. Types of dances. Household belongings of dances. Practice. Learning dance elements. dance combinations. Hand movements. Steps are slow, jumps. Execution of etudes based on learned movements. Subject. Russian folk dance. Theory. Repetition of the role of dance in the life of the people. Dancing elements of Russian folk dances. Practice. Learning complex dance elements. Dance combinations in the middle of the hall. Bows in Russian nar. style. Performance of etudes based on learned movements Subject. Theory. Acquaintance with the dance position of the hands, whirling, fractional percussion inherent in the Siberian region. Practice. Learning features in performance. Execution of etudes based on learned movements. Etude "Yelan". Subject. Plyasovaya "Military". Theory. A conversation about the military past in the history of the country. Practice. Learning a plot-figurative dance on a military theme. Based on elements of Russian folk dances. Use and application of movement previously learned. Rehearsal work. Working on characters. 4. Dance improvisation. Subject. Get it by youself. Theory. Explanations for future work. An example of a job. Practice. Independent creative work in pairs - "Think up yourself. Conversations, listening to music and watching videos are included in the training process. Section 3. Special dance and artistic work is distributed during the academic year and includes staging and rehearsal work for events, significant dates |
). Acrobatic exercises - grouping in a prone and sitting position, rolls in it forward - backward. Rolls to the right and left from the grouping in the gray-haired position on the heels with support on the forearms. Horizontal balance on one leg with and without support. Exercises with objects (balls, ribbons, handkerchiefs) are performed in conjunction with rebuilding into various patterns and various steps. Exercises for the development of muscle groups and joint mobility, the development of facial expressions and pantomime, coordination of movements, muscle relaxation. 
jumps in place, in pairs. Running in a circle, running with an "overlap", spring in place, clapping, combining dance elements. The etude is aimed at the development of creative imagination using music of different character, tempo and content. 
Learning country dance direction. Musical instruments, costumes. 
Explanations for the execution technique. 
Conversation about the rules and customs in the East. Costumes and decorations. 
Siberian patterns . 
" On the basis of the proposed music, the guys come up with their own dance based on the movements they have learned. Music to choose from - dances of the peoples of the world. Popular Dance Styles - Dancejam
Dance is a form of performing art that consists of purposefully chosen sequences of movement. This movement has aesthetic and symbolic value and is recognized as a dance by performers and spectators in various cultures. It is believed that other forms of human movement have dance elements, such as martial arts, gymnastics, figure skating, synchronized swimming and other types of athletics.
Ballet
Ballet originated in the 15th century, first in Italy and then in France.
Ballet has influenced many other styles over the centuries. dance and became an independent form of fine art. There are three main style:
- Classic : this form reached its peak in the 19th century in France and Russia. The productions are often based on a story and staged with fantastic sets and costumes. Movement emphasizes work pointe shoes, graceful expressions and symmetry.
- Neoclassical : this is the evolution of classical ballet that emerged in the early to mid 20th century. Movements are faster and more precise, with less emphasis on symmetry, simple scenery and costumes. The plot is often missing. orchestras, groups or soloists may accompany the dancers.
- Modern movement and physical expression that may not look like dance. Costumes and sets are often simple or abstract. Musical or sound works, if they are used, are modern or experimental.
Jazz
Jazz is a lively dance style that depends from originality and improvisation.
Jazz dance has its origins in African American culture. Over time it has evolved into a street dance style, which soon crossed over to jazz clubs in the early 20th century. From ancient times to present, there are many influences that have added variety to this dance form.
Jazz combines all dance styles in a high-energy dance that has no traditional boundaries. On him influenced by ballet, modern, tap, hip-hop, African dance and many others styles. Jazz is most often accompanied by upbeat, bright and popular songs. Jazz shoes usually have leather split soles, which gives the dancer's foot more freedom to flex and move.
Tap dance
Like jazz dance, tap dancing comes from tradition African dance kept by slaves in the USA. The dancers wear special shoes with metal heels on the toe and heel, which turns their feet into musical instrument. Music is rarely used in this dance.
After the Civil War, the step turned into a popular form of entertainment on the Vaudeville circuit, and later became a staple early Hollywood musicals.
The most famous masters of tap dancing - Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.
Hip-hop
Another descendant of jazz dance, hip-hop, appeared on streets of New York in the 1970s in African American and Puerto Rican communities cities at the same time as rap and DJing. Breakdance with its plasticity, acrobatics, stunts and movements on the floor - this is the earliest form of hip-hop dance. Often teams of dancers held competitions to determine which the group has the right to be called the best.
As rap music flourished and diversified, various styles of hip-hop dance. The most popular are locking and popping, also under the influence of hip-hop, a new style of jazz dance arose, which called jazz funk.
Contemporary dance
Contemporary dance is a dance style that overrides many of the strict rules of classical ballet, focusing on instead, on the expression of inner feelings. It appeared in Europe and the USA in early 20th century as a revolt against classical ballet, emphasizing creative approach in choreography and performance.
Choreographers including Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham, developed methods of reduction, expression of the internal state, movement and breathing, performed under the avant-garde or experimental musical accompaniment. These choreographers have also collaborated with artists working in other areas such as lighting, projection, sound or sculpture.
Swing
Swing is another offshoot of traditional jazz dance that has become popular since swing bands became the dominant form of popular entertainment in the late 1930s and early 40s years. Unlike other forms of jazz dance, which emphasize individuality, swing dance is a partnership. Couples rock, spin and jump together in synchronous time, usually with a fixed amount choreographic steps repeated in a certain sequence.
Contra
Contra dance is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form two parallel lines and perform a sequence dance movements with different partners along the entire length of the line.
Dance has its roots in similar folk dances from the colonial era Great Britain. Folk music from the British Isles or the USA is the most common form of accompaniment.
Country and Western
Country and Western dance is a broad category of many dance styles, which includes the influence of contrast, folk and even country jazz or western music. Waltzes and two steps are the most common partner dance forms, but you can also find variations in the polka and other folk dances brought to the USA by German and Czech immigrants. Square dances and line dances where people dance in hard, choreographic positions with several partners or as part of a group, have place in this style.
Belly dance
Belly dance originated from the folk traditions of the Middle East, but its exact origin is unknown. Unlike most forms Western dances that emphasize intricate footwork and choreography partner, belly dance is a solo performance that focuses on torso and thighs.
The dancers combine a series of fluid movements to emphasize the rhythm, hip curves, rotations and vibrations of the torso to add variety and detail.
Flamenco
Flamenco dance is an expressive dance form, which combines percussive footwork reminiscent of tap dancing with complex hand and body movements. It originated from the cultures of the Iberian Peninsula in 1700s and 1800s, although its exact origin is unclear. Flamenco consists of three elements: song, dance and playing the guitar.
Latin dance
Latin dance is a broad term for forms ballroom and street dances that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries in Hispanic Western hemisphere.
Many styles of Latin dance originate in certain region or country. Tango, with its sensual partners and spectacular movements, originated in Argentina. Salsa developed in Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban communities in 1970s New York.
Other popular Latin dance forms include mambo, which originated in the 1930s in Cuba; bomb - folk style of rhythmic dance from Puerto Rico; and meringue - Dominican style of dancing with partners and hard hip movements.
