Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/26/2011

Question
I have been dancing for 5 years, and, try as I might, I cannot spot my turns. I practice all the time, but I don't seem to be improving. My teacher says I tend to over-spot (look past what I'm spotting) or not whip my head around far enough. HOw can I fix this, and get better at spotting?

Answer
Hi Maddi. You seem to understand your problem with spotting. You under-spot, or over-spot.

Either this is because you cannot focus your eyes, or you cannot control the tension in your neck muscles.

I tend to think it is in the focusing. When you spot, you consciously choose the spot to come around to, when you turn your head.

So, a dancer either does, or does not, choose a spot.

A dancer either does, or does not, find the spot when turning the head around. This is only done by focusing the eyes.

So: do you choose a specific spot to come around to?

If so, can you see it when you come around?

"Can you turn your head to the mirror to see yourself without tilting? If not, you need to do some stretching and relaxing for your neck muscles. You do this by tilting your head slowly, letting the muscles stretch a little, for three deep breaths, and then slowly bringing your head upright. 3 times 3 times a day, each side. Also, take a deep breath and then turn your head to one side, exhaling. Then try to turn a little farther, being careful not to tilt. Slowly bring it back to the front, and do the other side. 3 times, 3 times a day. Relaxing your neck is going to help with your spotting.

Being weak in your posture or turnout is going to make you tense your neck and shoulders, therefore throwing off a good turn. "

Is from: http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/07/preparing-chaine-turns-for...

Accurate spotting therefore depends on strong ballet posture so you can relax your neck. If you are not too tense, you can control your head movements.

Hope this helps!

Regards, Dianne.