Help us settle an argument

Can anyone describe the TOP SPIN
(Foxtrot or Waltz)in a way so that I can show/explain it to others.

Thanks

In a nutshell, it's a Feather Finish taken after a checked Feather Finish (or any variation of checked Feather).

After stepping O.P. with RF on step 3 of Feather/Feather Ending/Feather Finish, etc: 1. LF back, partner outside 2-4. Feather Finish, RLR The normal amount of turn is 1/2 (That's 1/8 between prev step and 1, then 3/8 for the Feather Finish), but of course it's negotiable depending on where you start and where you want to end up. Anywhere between 1/8 and 5/8 is do-able.

The Feather Finish on 2-4 can be treated as a Weave Ending in terms of footwork. In other words, stay on toes.

Don't know why they call it a "Top Spin", since there's nothing particularly spinny about it. But there you have it.

Regards,
Jonathan Atkinson www.ballroomdancers.com

Lorenabravo?

Sorry. Lorena had been working on my computer, and I forgot to log her out and log in again as myself. It's me, Jonathan. Fixed now...

Hi,
Maybe the foot pattern of the English named Top Spin would be better understood as a Back Spin. Meaning a check then moving in a reverse direction.

The name eminates from the direction of the spinning top

.. a game that was very popular in England in the 30s and 40s( whip and top ) first thrown out attached to the top and then the whip was pulled towards you ( wrapped around the top )then released , and the top rotated counter clockwise .

Apochraphal.. it works for me ..

i know theres a couple of guys on here who remember this !

terence 2. And then you whipped it again to keep it going. I expect you also remember the Pea Shooter .Neither have anything to do with dancing. Except the name Top Spin.

I do,,, fortunately ( or UN fort. ! )

Hi to all,
It's the first time I've read that the Top Spin being referred to as a spinning top.

That analogy is best suited to the Tops in, International Latin, were we have the natural and reverse top, which have a strong rotation, on the spot, to the right or to the left.

Cricket lovers will know that we have a term for one of the actions of a cricket ball, when the bowler applies 'top spin' to a ball, to make it check slightly before continuing in its flight.

Also used when applying a strong flick backwards, with the wrist, when throwing a Hoop, to make it check, when hitting the ground, and then it moves, still spinning, in a reverse direction.

The major difference ?... Intern. latin was not " invented " at the time the Top spin was in vogue