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 | Jul 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: How do I know that my partner is about to lead me into a double/multiple spin as opposed to just a regular right turn? What signals am I looking for so that I can prep in time to get the spin? Answer: A good lead for an axis spin vs a right turn should help...
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...
by Magna Gopal | Feb 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: How are solo spins technically different than partnered spins? How do I practice solo spins? Answer: When spinning with a partner, the obvious difference is the hand-to-hand connection. The hand connection can be used by the follower to assist with the...
by Magna Gopal | Jan 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: This is regarding leads for spins. Most of the time in workshops, teachers do not talk to the leaders about proper technique in spinning the women. I am forever wondering is it the follow or the lead? It’s 50/50 but am I, the follow, supposed to...
