Shamira's Tips - Side Turns

Q: My side to side turns need help! How do you stay so controlled on the turn? I find myself wobbling about. Thanks.

A: In class, we practice "planting." I'll explain. First, let's choose a specific side-to-side-turn combination. We'll use the first side to side turn on The Sensuous Workout 2 - "Pure Technique." This consists of a step, turn, step, pushback, drop-lift-drop-lift-drop-pushback.

We are only concerned with the first three parts of that right now: 1) step, 2) turn, 3) step. In other words 1) You step out to the left, 2) cross your right foot in front of the left foot and zip yourself around in a complete turn to the left, then 3) step out again with the left foot.

Here's the first thing to do to improve this: On 2, keep your right foot (the foot you turn on) as close to the left foot (the foot you step with) as possible. The closer you can keep your feet together on the turn, the tighter your turn will be and the more control you'll have.

Then on 3, when you step out again with your left foot, you want to "plant" that foot firmly in place. Plant it there and freeze. Your left foot is flat and your right heel is up. Check that your weight is to the left. In fact, deliberately push your weight into your left leg and clench your left glute (butt cheek).

Do this over and over. Step, turn, plant. Step, turn, plant. Solid, unwavering, strong. Practice all of this going to the right now. Once you have mastered a tight turn and a firm plant, THEN you can go ahead and finish the combination, secure in your balance and stance.

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