6 Soft Spotting

COURSE: turning-techniques

FOCUS: This lesson introduces soft spotting as a technique for creating torque in turns while maintaining the blues aesthetic, contrasting it with hard spotting from other dance forms. The goal is to practice soft spotting and the falling leaf turn to enhance turning precision and partner connection.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Use a soft spot by looking over your shoulder and softly turning your head to keep track of your partner.
• For the falling leaf turn, continuously look over your starting shoulder to maintain torque and momentum.
• Practice turns down the line with soft spotting to avoid changing the timing of the turn.
• Drill the falling leaf turn by starting torque with the upper body and unwinding smoothly.
• Keep the momentum going with your partner by using soft spotting techniques.

REMEMBER:

• Soft spotting helps maintain the blues aesthetic by avoiding harshness in turns.
• Hard spotting can change turn timing and create a more direct, precise movement.
• The falling leaf turn involves continuous torque from the upper body for fluid motion.
• Soft spotting allows you to stay connected with your partner during turns.
• Recycling energy is a key concept in blues dancing for softer turns.