| Spotting is the technique used by ballet dancers to | | | | front again. |
| avoid dizziness while doing multiple turns. In ballet | | | | That is spotting. Within the requirements of ballet |
| classes, and in theaters, dancers will find a "spot" that | | | | technique a few points are added. |
| they can see, and upon which they will focus | | | | The head must not incline. The entire body posture |
| throughout, for example, the 32 fouettes performed | | | | of a retire position, or an a la seconde position, must |
| in Swan Lake by the ballerina, or a series of turns a la | | | | not be influenced by the head staying behind to |
| seconde by the male dancer. | | | | remain focused on the spot. Same for a turn in |
| When you reach the point in ballet training where | | | | arabesque or attitude. |
| turns are added to your class exercises, often | | | | Usually, chainee turns are the first ones learned. |
| spotting will be taught first. | | | | Remaining in first position, the entire body position |
| Imagine a child spinning, just for the joy of it. Children | | | | must be held while the dancer spots. |
| will do this until they are too dizzy to stay upright, | | | | This achievement then assumes that the core and |
| and then they will collapse. In the dance studio, the | | | | turnout muscles are well held. The arms remain in a |
| same playful spin can be done. With one difference. | | | | fifth en avant or slightly over - crossed position, and |
| Choosing a spot on the wall, which could be a picture | | | | the NECK IS RELAXED, allowing the head to spot, |
| of a famous ballerina, or whatever decoration the | | | | without inclination. |
| dance teacher may have chosen to inspire her/his | | | | A modern, jazz or hip hop dancer does the same. |
| students, a dance student can spin while focusing on | | | | Image: many years ago I watched Helgi Thomason |
| the spot. | | | | give dancer Victor Edwards a correction in class. He |
| In slow motion, as the dancer spins away from the | | | | said something like "imagine your body is spinning |
| front, or corner of the studio as it may be, she or he | | | | underneath your head, which just stays looking at |
| leaves their head behind, focusing on the spot. At the | | | | the front". |
| last possible moment, the dancer whips the head | | | | That's spotting. |
| around to regain focus before the body reaches the | | | | |