Double (treble / multiple) spins

[David Franklin]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

Hey David - where'd you get the hat from your avatar ? I want one

I seem to recall something the cost was something like "all my worldly goods"...

Dave

[Geordieed]

I know that this thread is about spinning but wondered what people thought about the interpretation of Brent and Kallese Key. So graceful and in total command. Wow!

As a naughty hint. Just right click the link without activating the link and you can download a copy...

[ElaineB]

Originally Posted by Geordieed

I know that this thread is about spinning but wondered what people thought about the interpretation of Brent and Kallese Key. So graceful and in total command. Wow!

As a naughty hint. Just right click the link without activating the link and you can download a copy...

Just watched it again and they are awesome! Their bodies give the impression that they are in competely in tune with the instruments - either the feet, the hands or the head matches the music perfectly!


Elaine

[Rachel]

I've stolen this (abridged) from another website somewhere (hope I'm not breaching any copyright [?]) - I think it's attributed at the end. I just thought it had some good ideas in there on balance and spinning.

[IMO this is the type of thing which would be great if we had an 'articles' section - ref. Gadget's post. I love that idea! Moderators - is this is too long as a forum post? If so, feel free to delete/amend.]

Apart from all the obvious - core control etc etc which has been mentioned before - does anyone else spread their toes when spinning to give their body as broad a platform as possible for better balance ... or is it just me?

Rachel
---

... Maintaining one's balance is primarily coordinated by three systems. The first is the vestibular or auditory system, located in the inner ear, which acts like a "carpenter's balance" to keep you level. The second balance system uses sensory nerves called proprioceptors that are located in the muscles, tendons, and joints. They give you awareness of your body’s position in a 3-dimensional space. And finally, there is the visual system, which sends signals from the eyes to the brain about your body’s position. ...

First of all, know that the actual movement of dancing can make you think you’re balanced, when you’re really falling from foot to foot. Try dancing your routines slowly, by yourself, making sure you are secure in each and every foot, and balanced in pivots and turns. Use floor pressure for balance, focus your eyes, and find your center. Gradually dance up to tempo by yourself. Then do the same thing with your partner, starting slowly, checking every foot and action for balance. Slowly dance up to tempo with your partner.

Secondly, develop better core strength. The "core" refers to all the muscles that surround and connect to your trunk. It doesn't matter how strong your arms and legs are if the muscles they're attached to in your center aren't equally as strong.

Here are some BALANCE EXERCISES to strengthen your coordination, muscles, and reflexes. Wave for help if you fall off the deck!

1) Stand on one foot, barefoot on a hard surface (no rug). Don’t lock the knee. Have your weight between the heel and ball, equally, with more weight on the inside of the foot. This position should feel quite stable.

Get used to standing on one foot, in a variety of body positions. Move slowly, or move quickly, or even FREEZE a position. Do this one-leg dance without falling, for one minute per foot. Keep your awareness on the position of your mid-foot. This also builds calf strength, which is needed for dance balance.

2) Stand barefoot with BOTH FEET TOUCHING. Roll up to the balls of your feet and balance there. Once you have your balance perfect... close your eyes. Interesting, isn’t it?

This demonstrates the importance of our vision to help us find our center. We need a POINT OF REFERENCE. When you hold a line, or if you are turning quickly, focus clearly. Too many dancers have that ‘glazed over’ look from some kind of internal overload. Practice using your eyes, it’s vital to your dance survival!

3) Turning on one foot.
Stand barefoot on just your right foot, between the ball and heel. Pick up your heel and turn to the left (about a 90º turn) on the ball of the foot, then stop yourself by lowering the right heel. Do this four times to the left, stopping perfectly balanced with the weight between the ball and heel each time. Then do four 90º turns to the right. Do this on both feet.

Once you’ve mastered 90º turns, try 1/2 turns, then whole turns. Don’t try to hurry. Perfect balance is not forced or rushed, and as with many things, just putting your attention on it can help develop the skill.

4) Rise up to the ball of one foot and stay there. Only use a fingertip on a wall or chair if you need it. See how long you can balance on the ball of one foot without help. Switch legs when your calf gets tired.

5) You can also do a partner exercise -- use a full water bottle or a light medicine ball and play a game of catch while balancing on one foot. If that's too easy, stand on just the ball of the foot and play catch.

NOW for CORE CONDITIONING
Fitness trends sweep through the country, and the current trend is core conditioning. It focuses on strengthening muscles of the trunk and legs, especially ones that control the spine. Props include balance boards, disks, foam rollers, stability balls, the Reebok Core Board, and Bosu (which stands for "both sides up") balls. Other classes that develop core muscles are yoga, martial arts, pilates and tai chi. Any of these could greatly improve your natural balance ability, as well as overall fitness.

Here are some simple core exercises:

1) Start by lying on your back, extend your feet and legs up toward the ceiling. Pull your abdominal muscles in and press your low back to the floor. Hold it for 5 seconds. Then slowly lower your legs toward the floor. Do not let your lower back come off the floor. When it starts to come up, stop and return to the start position. Do 5-10 slow repetitions, keeping your back pressed into the floor.

2) Start in the same position on your back, feet up toward ceiling. Arms out to the side, press your palms into the floor, and slowly lower your legs to the side. You get a slight spinal twist doing this. Use your abdominals to control the lowering and to return to the starting position. Do 10 repetitions each side.

3) Plank. Lying on your stomach, clasp your hands together and have forearms on the mat, elbows close to your sides. Tuck your toes under, contract abdominals, and lift your body off the floor. You should be in a straight line from head to toe. If it’s too hard, you can keep your knees on the floor. Hold for 30 seconds - one minute.

These core exercises can be done several times a week. Combined with balance exercises and dancing slowly on your own, you can increase your kinesthetic coordination, and in turn your balance will improve. Be open to the changes, for true balance is always in flux, and is without strain. Good luck!

See my web site, www.bodiesbybija.com for photos of exercises, and to read previous articles. You can also ask questions about this or other fitness-related issues. If you want fitness coaching to improve your dancing, send me an e-mail me requesting details. I will be glad to help.

In joy and good health,
~ Bija Satterlee
Certified Personal Trainer and Motivational Coach

[Geordieed]

I had the most amazing experience at one of these weekend dance events that was held this year. I danced with a very special teacher who had been invited to teach and perform for the first time in the UK. Her balance was so perfect that I could not detect her body weight while we danced together. In fact I could not even feel the weight of her hand in mine. What I did feel was just enough lateral tension (for the want of a better term) as part of our connection. Even as she turned or spun this feeling did not alter.

Amazing!

[Rachel]

Originally Posted by Geordieed

I had the most amazing experience at one of these weekend dance events that was held this year. I danced with a very special teacher who had been invited to teach and perform for the first time in the UK. Her balance was so perfect that I could not detect her body weight while we danced together. In fact I could not even feel the weight of her hand in mine. What I did feel was just enough lateral tension (for the want of a better term) as part of our connection. Even as she turned or spun this feeling did not alter.

Amazing!

Wow - you've got to tell us who it was - we need to watch and learn! Was it Noelle?
Rachel

[Geordieed]

It was a young dancer called Tatiana Mollmann.


I would like to point out that although I picked up that feeling, together with other things about the dance, I know my knowledge was not good enough to appreciate alot of the things she was doing. It was a bit like driving a Rolls Royce on the first day that you pass your driving test. Come to think of it I feel like that with some women in the UK but I am not going to list them. That would be unfair.

[Rachel]

Originally Posted by Geordieed

It was a young dancer called Tatiana Mollmann.

Hm, must look out for her ... So - by young, you mean about 36'ish?

Originally Posted by Geordieed

I would like to point out that although I picked up that feeling, together with other things about the dance, I know my knowledge was not good enough to appreciate alot of the things she was doing. It was a bit like driving a Rolls Royce on the first day that you pass your driving test. Come to think of it I feel like that with some women in the UK but I am not going to list them. That would be unfair.

That's very modest of you! But I like your Rolls Royce analogy.
Rachel

[Geordieed]

Nope it is true though. Tatiana has been dancing since she was 12 and was a very good gymnast before that. (Just checked the website to get that info by the way) I love dancing but the heights that she has acheived is beyond anything I can ever climb to.

Although she lives in America she is planning a couple more trips to this country next year.

[David Franklin]

On the subject of spins and WCS, check the following clip out...

US Open Strictly Swing Challenge

Now that's just silly... (Not sure about the floorcraft at the beginning, though).

Dave