One Footed Spin

A spin on a single foot, usually danced by the follower and most often on the right foot, with the leader's hand keeping a light connection overhead.

The lead comes from the leader's right hand, either to the follower's left or right-to-right after a hand change. Counts 1–2 stay calm. On 3 the leader gives a small "up" that sets the follower onto the spinning foot, and the rotation happens in place before the follower steps out.¹

Technique

Brian B teaches three keys in order: balance, rotation around the connection, and creating rotation.²

• Find the balance point over the first three toes with the heel up, then drill quarter, half, and full turns, finishing each one balanced.³
• Use the least energy that completes the turn, which is what preserves balance.⁴
• For extra turns, let the free leg flare slightly on the first rotation, then pull it in. Rotation speeds up as the radius shrinks.⁵
• The leader's hand traces a small circle around the follower's head, so the follower's arm stays in one place.⁶
• For spotting, down the line and a fixed front are both common. When the leader travels around the spinning follower, the follower spots the leader.⁷

Footnotes

1. Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, "3 Keys to One Footed Spins" at 14:35. ↩

2. Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, "3 Keys to One Footed Spins" at 0:43. ↩

3. Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, "3 Keys to One Footed Spins" at 2:53–5:20. ↩

4. Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, "3 Keys to One Footed Spins" at 7:54–8:51. ↩

5. Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, "3 Keys to One Footed Spins" at 9:51–12:07. ↩

6. Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, "One footed spins for #wcs" at 0:16. ↩

7. Cassie Winter & Alicia Marshall, Nerdy West Coast Swing, "Spin Technique | One Foot Spins in West Coast Swing" at 4:05; Brian B at 15:56. ↩