While in salsa dancing competing or performing with a dancer doesn’t have to be about perfect technique, the turn technique is very important according to Matthew David Parker. Practicing is important if you intent to perfect your turn technique and what better time to do that than when fresh? The more you practice, the more polished your turn technique becomes. But how can one perfect their turn technique?
There are simple cues that one can follow but you have to remember that the results aren’t instant. If you practice the following consistently, you’ll notice an improvement in your dance technique with time.
Spot forward. Generally, you should spot your turns in the direction you’re moving to avoid getting dizzy while dancing. You should only spot your partner if they are spinning you on the spot, changing directions or giving you an intense dose of multiple turns.
Shift your weight unto the foot you’re stepping on. It may seem like something that should come naturally but the truth remains that as soon as people start dancing, they forget how to walk properly. If you’re stepping on the left foot, be sure to put all your weight on it. The same goes if you are stepping on the right foot. It’s also important to ensure that you shift your weight instantly as this helps propel you forward thus enabling you to pivot or turn any time. Dancers make a mistake of remaining back-weighted rather than front weighted and this hinders their ability to turn properly.
Turn your feet out and step forward. Always remember to turn your feet out when you step. Never ‘pigeon toe’ and turn your feet in. Even when you think you should step forward, it’s important to always step forward when pivoting or turning. Many dancers when moving or finishing their turns forget this and instead land their foot backwards. Correcting this requires pointing the instep of your foot and toes forward towards the direction you’re moving in.
While anyone can practice the above on their own, it’s always advisable to seek the help of a qualified and experienced salsa instructor. Matthew David Parker is one such instructor. He finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in 2009 and proceeded to open his dance studio, Lafayette Salsa Dance Studio, in 2010. He has since helped many aspiring dancers achieve their potential and become great dancers.
There are simple cues that one can follow but you have to remember that the results aren’t instant. If you practice the following consistently, you’ll notice an improvement in your dance technique with time.
Spot forward. Generally, you should spot your turns in the direction you’re moving to avoid getting dizzy while dancing. You should only spot your partner if they are spinning you on the spot, changing directions or giving you an intense dose of multiple turns.
Shift your weight unto the foot you’re stepping on. It may seem like something that should come naturally but the truth remains that as soon as people start dancing, they forget how to walk properly. If you’re stepping on the left foot, be sure to put all your weight on it. The same goes if you are stepping on the right foot. It’s also important to ensure that you shift your weight instantly as this helps propel you forward thus enabling you to pivot or turn any time. Dancers make a mistake of remaining back-weighted rather than front weighted and this hinders their ability to turn properly.
Turn your feet out and step forward. Always remember to turn your feet out when you step. Never ‘pigeon toe’ and turn your feet in. Even when you think you should step forward, it’s important to always step forward when pivoting or turning. Many dancers when moving or finishing their turns forget this and instead land their foot backwards. Correcting this requires pointing the instep of your foot and toes forward towards the direction you’re moving in.
While anyone can practice the above on their own, it’s always advisable to seek the help of a qualified and experienced salsa instructor. Matthew David Parker is one such instructor. He finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in 2009 and proceeded to open his dance studio, Lafayette Salsa Dance Studio, in 2010. He has since helped many aspiring dancers achieve their potential and become great dancers.
