Advanced

Outside Turn

Advanced Level

Full mastery — nuance, personal expression, and artistry

A turn where the follower rotates outward, away from the leader — the bold, expansive turn that opens up space and possibilities.

Tips

  • Practice solo: stand on one foot, push off with the other, and try to complete one full rotation. If you can't do it alone, working with a partner won't fix it.
  • The prep matters more than the turn. A clear 'hey, we're about to turn' signal makes everything smoother.

Common mistakes

  • Too much arm force — turns should feel effortless
  • Follower looking down during the turn
  • Not spotting — causes dizziness and loss of orientation
  • Leader pulling the follower off-balance by keeping tension after releasing

Practice drill

With a partner: basic step, outside turn, basic step, outside turn. 20 repetitions. Then upgrade: basic step, double outside turn. Focus on smooth entry and exit, not speed.

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