Re: Dance definitions: spin, turn, twirl, [other related]?
- From: avid_dancer@xxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:10:27 -0800 (PST)
On Nov 21, 1:27 pm, "G Lykos" <GLy...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Thanks for your thoughts. What does it mean for a "center" to "reach"?
When a person turns/spins/etc., there is an axis around which
the maneuver is executed. This axis runs roughly from the
support point(s) [foot/feet] through his/her center of mass.
IMHO, a "spin" is only possible if the axis is vertical
(perpendicular to surface) since the body (spinning object)
must be equally supportable from all sides near the spin
point. If the axis of "rotation" is not perpendicular, then
the maneuver is (must be) inherently a turn, since the person
won't be able to "get around."
When a dancer's lateral travel doesn't have the center reach
vertical over the rotating foot (axis not perpendicular),
then the resulting direction change must be a turn (limited
by physics, caused by "deflection" or "lean"). Traveling
dances take advantage of this phenomenon.
Note that the other situation of a vertical axis can result
in either a "spin" or "turn," depending on execution and
timing.
I found this article informative...
http://www.iceskatingintnl.com/archive/features/spinning.htm
In reflecting a bit on the various illustrative examples that you offered:
- Would you consider a chaîné turn to be a spin? "Single leg (includes
alternating leg) spins:"
The following article...
http://www.dancesport.uk.com/tid-bits/issue147.htm
describes chaines as spirals, and I agree.
- If a rondé is a centered rotation on one foot, with the other leg sweeping
outwards, would that make it a spin?
A ronde differs from a pirouette (classical spin) by the
non-rotating leg being extended out. Consequently, the
center of mass is towards the outstretched leg and the
turn axis is "skewed/slanted" and so it's (practically)
impossible to sustain the rotation. Hence, I would
classify it as a turn due to the off-vertical axis.
- A spiral, as a centered rotation on one foot, with the other leg twisting
around, would then also seem a spin.
Spirals are a result of the "untwisting" that occurs
as one shifts weight from one leg to the other while
the "axis" is vertical. Since the translational
movement and leg position limits the sustainability
of the rotation, I would consider it a turn.
Perhaps the essence of a spin is a rotation on one foot (except for your
equally-weighted double-leg spin), and a turn is then some series of linked
rotational and perhaps translational movements and the center may move over
or outside of the weight-bearing point of contact with the floor - the Latin
(or military) turn would seem a good example of such.
Roughly. But this is more an observer's view than
a practitioner's view.
My personal experience tells me that the distinction
is more an issue of how the motion/timing is achieved.
Turns have more foot/leg action. Spirals have a
foot-to-leg-to-torso action. Spins have more torso
action.
On a different note - are you familiar with the usage of "twirl" in partner
dancing?
I've only heard of twirling in the context of one
partner "twirling/" the other, as in assisting in
spins.
.
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