Hi all,
I'm male and I have been trying to master a standing spin that I often see danced by Latin competitors. At this moment I can almost complete two turns then I lose my balance. I understand about head spotting. But if a master of these spins happen to be reading this would you be kind enough to give me your advice. Do you concentrate keeping the body weight in the ball of the turning foot or do you think about turning your shoulders?

when you do a spin like this (a pirouette) you should feel as if your spine is being pulled straight up by a string. you want to make sure you keep spotting, and if you your spine stays straight you shouldn't lose your balance. from what i have learned, your shoulders should turn with the body, and not be used to turn the body. your body weight should be centered and yes, in the ball of the turning foot. just keep practicing and focus on your spine staying straight up, not forward or backward or to the side. hope this helps!

Thank you, Billy. Will remember that in my practice.

Puzzled. Anybody can learn to spin, but some are natural spinners. I knew a girl who couldn't dance ballroom to save her life, but without any training could spin like a top. On any type of spin you must stay vertical. I settle for one spin in the jive which I believe is called a Simple Spin, it can be done after a a Fallaway Rock from which I can get a bit of an imputus, it is better than from an ordinary Link Step. A Three Step Turn now that is different ( some call it a spin )Of those we have to do in practice ten across the hall and ten on the way back.It does move. I think the one you are after stays in one place with both feet together. The Simple Spin is done on one foot, on the toes. Good Luck There.