April 10, 2009

The Turns.....

If you are a ballroom dancer, a few steps you simply cannot run away from are the much dreaded heel turns and the double-reverse turns. Whether you are a lady or gent, heel turns are very much a part of the International Standard dances, the Waltz, Foxtrot and the Quickstep. A controlled and balanced heel turn (done by pivoting on your heel of course!) with the "rise and fall" done correctly and in sync with your partner, makes the dance look elegant and smooth. In the Foxtrot, every turn for the lady is a heel turn. Flexed knees, body rotation and all weight on your heels will produce a heel turn that would make you look the part of a pro dancer. And at the end of the turn all you have to do is rise up on your toes and continue on to the next step. So if you thought you can get away from heel turns, then I have to say, your very much mistaken!!

The double-reverse Turn, I am sure, is the nemesis for most of novice ballroom dancers. Done correctly and with a bit of practice, it is one of the figures that makes you look professional on the dance floor. The double reverse turn (DRT) is usually done after half a reverse turn and a reverse pivot. So if you keep your body turning constantly in the direction of travel, the DRT becomes that much easier to conquer. In the Waltz, the count is "1, 2, 3" (for the reverse turn), "AND" (which is half a beat for the reverse pivot) and "1, 2, 3" (for the DRT) where as in the Quickstep it is "S, Q, Q" (for the reverse turn), "S" (for the reverse pivot) and "S, S, Q, Q" (for the DRT).

Pay extra attention to your footwork, body rotation and the rise and fall the next time you do the heel turns and the double-reverse turns. I assure you the dance with be more fun and the steps will feel smoother and effortless.


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