The Double Reverse Spin is a beautiful yet technically demanding figure seen primarily in the Waltz and Quickstep, though it can also be used in other dances. Elegant when performed well, it’s also one of the most often mishandled steps on the dance floor. From faulty leads to improper use of rotation, even intermediate dancers often struggle with several common mistakes.
In this short video tutorial, George and Wendy explore the most frequent mistakes dancers make during the Double Reverse Spin and offer practical advice to help both partners improve their execution. Mastering these details will improve your performance and fluidity, whether you are a casual social dancer or more serious about good technique.
Failure to Rise Properly (Leader’s Mistake)
One of the most crucial elements of the Double Reverse Spin is the lady’s heel turn, and perhaps the most common mistake is the man failing to lead it properly by rising incorrectly for a heel turn. Often, the leader stays flat or doesn’t rise immediately on the second step, which is the essential cue for the heel turn. Instead of a gradual swing rise, the man must rise quickly and be up on both toes by the second step. This sudden rise interrupts the lady’s swing motion and brings her heels together naturally. Without this signal, the follower cannot execute the heel turn effectively, leading to imbalance and confusion. This lack of proper lead is why many ladies anticipate heel turns (next mistake)!
Anticipating the Heel Turn (Follower’s Mistake)
Followers often anticipate the heel turn, taking a small first step back. This leads to balance issues and puts them in the way of the lead. It’s essential that the lady performs a normal-sized first step, without assuming a heel turn is coming. Doing so ensures she responds accurately to the lead rather than guessing or acting prematurely.
Delayed or Missing Rotation (Leader’s Mistake)
Another common mistake is the leader failing to initiate rotation early enough. Many leads do not apply Contra Body Movement (CBM) as they take their first step. Then they try to do all the rotation starting on step 2. That won’t work. If the turn begins too late, both dancers lose balance and misalign. The correct technique involves using CBM (turning the upper body toward the moving foot on the very first step) then continuing rotation to establish a clean and efficient spin.
Breaking the Movement into Steps (Follower’s Mistake)
Many followers focus too much on the individual placement of the feet throughout this figure. That breaks the Double Reverse Spin into segmented steps rather than maintaining continuous motion. Stepping the figure disrupts the overall flow and can stall the couple’s movement. Once the lady brings her heels together and rises on the left toe, the rest should be a seamless, flowing rotation. Keeping momentum consistent ensures both dancers move fluidly and finish the figure cleanly.
Lack of Head Movement for Momentum
While not strictly a mistake, failing to use the head effectively makes the figure harder to execute. For the leader, rotating the head early toward the finishing direction makes use of the body’s natural momentum to help pull the couple around efficiently. For the follower, allowing the nose to “chase the elbow” during the heel turn has the same benefit in helping the rotation. Many dancers hinder themselves by looking in the wrong direction or keeping their heads aligned with the ribcage, which can hurt your balance and diminishes the flow of rotation.
Mastering the Double Reverse Spin means paying attention to rise, rotation, momentum, and communication between partners. With focused practice and awareness of these common pitfalls, you can perform this figure with grace, precision, and confidence. For more detailed instruction and access to in-depth dance training, consider exploring Delta Dance’s online video membership.
There you have it: the most common mistakes in the Double Reverse Spin. If you’re interested in learning to dance, check out our group classes or contact us for private lessons or more information.
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