by Magna Gopal | Apr 16, 2018 | Ask Magna, Connection, Dance, Mindset
Connection It’s that one thing that everyone says is super important and yet it seems to evade most of us, not only in dance, but in life as well. What is connection? To me, it’s the result of an agreement between two people to: be respectful to each other...
by Magna Gopal | Jan 1, 2017 | Ask Magna, Dance, Learning & Teaching
Question: I have been to a couple of salsa events and people mentioned that I have the potential to dance salsa. The thing is I don’t know where to start and I am very picky about who I want to take my lessons with. Not to mention, they can be a little bit...
by Magna Gopal | Dec 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I wanted to ask you, what can I do about improving my balance? Sometimes, I am slightly distracted and I don’t know if that also affects my balance. Answer: Balance has a lot to do with focus. If you find yourself distracted...
by Magna Gopal | Aug 2, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance, Learning & Teaching
Question: I was working on the drill you teach for spins that focuses on 1/4 turns, 1/2 turns, 3/4 turns, and then full turns. I seem to do okay with the 1/4 turns, but the 1/2 turns and above have me desperately seeking more balance. I cannot seem to find where...
by Magna Gopal | Jun 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I normally dance in heels, but I’ve been practicing the drills in flat practice shoes. I just tried to do the spins in heels and nearly fell over. Just wondering if you had any pointers on spinning in heels, since I notice that you also practice in flats (on...
by Magna Gopal | May 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: When you do multiple spins during social dancing, you don’t seem to pedal at all on the 2 and 4. Why is that? Answer: When I started dancing I used to pedal to keep the rhythm and give myself the push I needed to do another spin. Once you develop control...
by Magna Gopal | Apr 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: When you do 10 spins, how do you power yourself? How much is from the leader and how much comes from yourself? How many times do you have to pedal for 10 spins? Answer: The power for multiple spins comes from your preparation. I’m not talking...
by Magna Gopal | Mar 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I tried the technique of shoulder punching; – would you recommend this for multiple spins? I seem to punch myself out of balance with this. It’s about powering oneself through punching the left arm across when one does a right spin. And the harder you...
