Equilibrium is definitely an issue for spinning. Spotting is a must. When I first started spins, I would stand in front of the mirror at home (don't we all do this?), turn my body but keep looking at my eyes in the mirror until I couldn't turn any more. When I couldn't go any further, I would then stop turning my body and turn my head around to look at my eyes in the mirror again, then turn my body around the rest of the way. In the beginning, this was done very, very slowly. As it got easy, I would go a little quicker (not fast) each time. This took months of practice. Eventually, I was able to accomplish a fast spin.

Well, here I am 13+ years later, and although I try and try, my equilibrium still gets the better of me. I will say, however, that I actually spotted properly once. Since I like to spin, I tell my instructor to "do a whole bunch of spins" as we're dancing hustle. Only once was I able to clearly see (spot) his face between each spin. FYI, my current record is 40 consecutive spins.

In any case, spotting does apply no matter what type of spin or turn you're doing. Also, I agree with twnkltoz regarding the distance the feet are from the floor - the closer the better.

Regards, Hoofer

Well, thanks very very much, but sadly, I feel none the wiser.

I guess the best option is to get my finger out of my earhole, get a regular babysitter and join a class.

I understand the need to practice, but you have to know the logistix in the first place, ie where your feet go and how. Northern soul dancing is not too intricate or complicated, it's a kind of cult thing I suppose. The steps are pretty standard, but some of the more adventurous do such things as kicks, spins, and even drop to the floor backwards and up again (I'm sure there must be a name for that).

It's 60s/early 70s music. Link posted just in case you're interested.

http://www.soulsurfin.currantbun.com

Thanks again.