Modern Ballroom Dancing Victor Silvester

Spotting is the technique employed by ballet dancers to stay clear from dizziness while doing multiple turns. In ballet classes, and in theaters, dancers will find a “spot” that they may see, and upon which they will focus throughout, for example, the 32 fouettes performed in Swan Lake by the ballerina, or a series of turns a la seconde by the male dancer.

When you reach the point in ballet training where turns are added to your class exercises, oftentimes spotting will be taught first.

Imagine a child spinning, just for the joy of it. Children will do this until they are too dizzy to stay upright, and then they will collapse. In the dance studio, the same playful spun may be done. With one difference.

Choosing a spot on the wall, which could be a picture of a widely known and esteemed ballerina, or whatsoever decoration the dance teacher may have chosen to inspire her/his students, a dance student may spun while focusing on the spot.

In slow motion, as the dancer spins away from the front, or corner of the studio as it may be, she or he leaves their head behind, focusing on the spot. At the last possible moment, the dancer whips the head around to regain focus before the body reaches the front again.

That is spotting. Within the requisites of ballet technique a few points are added.

The head ought to not incline. The entire body posture of a retire position, or an a la seconde position, must not be influenced by the head staying behind to stay concentered on the spot. Same for a turn in arabesque or attitude.

Usually, chainee turns are the initial ones learned. Remaining in primary position, the entire body position ought to be held while the dancer spots.

This accomplishment then assumes that the core and turnout muscles are well held. The arms stay in a fifth en avant or somewhat over – crossed position, and the NECK IS RELAXED, permitting the head to spot, without inclination.

A modern, jazz or hip hop dancer does the same.

Image: a heap of years ago I watched Helgi Thomason give dancer Victor Edwards a correction in class. He said something like “imagine your body is spinning underneath your head, which just stays looking at the front”.

That’s spotting.

Modern Ballroom Dancing Victor Silvester Photo

Modern Ballroom Dancing Victor Silvester Image

Modern Ballroom Dancing Victor Silvester Picture

Modern Ballroom Dancing Victor Silvester Picture