Turns & Spins
01 · Term and function
What is Double Spin?
Two rapid rotations around the body's axis using compact organization, precise preparation, and controlled exit.
on1, on2
Solo
On1 · On2
02 · Positions, timing and variants
Starting point, direction and variants
Timing, role context and spatial orientation are described separately. Names and execution details can vary across salsa styles, schools and regions.
Double turn
Turns & Spins
linear, solo
on1, on2
03 · Technical execution
What matters in Double Spin
A Double Spin contains two successive rotations around a compactly organized personal axis. The second rotation builds on the stability of the first.
Before rotation begins, supporting side, direction, and rotational potential are clearly organized. A larger counter-action is not automatically a better preparation.
The body center remains over a controllable support base. Lateral drift increases the pathway of the second rotation and makes the exit harder.
Spotting or coordinated gaze and head organization can support spatial orientation across both rotations without generating the primary rotational impulse.
The second rotation is decelerated in time so weight and finishing direction can be accepted in control without unintentionally continuing into a third turn.
04 · Body knowledge
Body organization in Double Spin
A Double Spin does not require building two unrelated single spins. Body organization remains compact and continuous across both rotations.
Weight and foot organization keep the body center close to the dancer's own rotational axis. Lateral drift makes the second revolution especially difficult.
Gaze and head coordination can help recover spatial orientation after each rotation. They support orientation but do not replace preparation or axis control.
05 · For beginners
Build Double Spin in control first
Begin with one controlled rotation from the same preparation and add the second only when the first exit remains reproducible.
Practice both revolutions as one continuous movement. Avoid an additional large arm or upper-body swing between them.
Can you stop in control after exactly two rotations without beginning an unintended third turn or rescue step?
06 · Teaching and feedback
What to observe in a controlled Double Spin
The second revolution continues the existing axis organization rather than drifting markedly sideways.
Rotation remains continuous without a large additional impulse appearing between the first and second revolution.
Weight and orientation are organized early enough for the Double Spin to finish after the intended second rotation.
07 · Continue learning
From Double Spin to related movements
Free rotation without continuous hand connection; preparation and exit therefore rely entirely on one's own axis and timing.
Preparatory counter-action or weight organization that creates rotational potential for a subsequent spin without losing the axis early.
Multiple or sustained rotation combined with a clear forward or lateral pathway through space.
Rotation of approximately 360 degrees organized through preparation, rotation, and controlled arrival on the intended standing foot.
Rotation of approximately 180 degrees with clear weight transfer and stable final orientation.
Turn in which one foot crosses behind or in front of the base and the crossed position is used to continue rotation.
Left turn performed mostly on the spot with compact stepping, organized axis, and controlled finish.
Turn using one or more pivot actions in which body orientation is redirected over weighted feet.
Right turn performed mostly on the spot, using a compact foot base and head spotting to support spatial orientation.
Additional professional background
Book on learning, body knowledge and partner communication
The movement lexicon complements The Salsa Teaching Tree by Mathias Ellmann. The book connects movement, perception and partner communication with body knowledge, motivation, musicality and sustainable learning.
The Salsa Teaching Tree
A holistic orientation model for salsa learning and teaching that goes beyond collecting steps and figures and connects body organization, music, perception, decision-making and partner communication.
View The Salsa Teaching TreeConcept · Salsa knowledge · learning · partner communication
Mathias Ellmann
Mathias Ellmann develops the Salsa Movement Lexicon as a connection between dance technique, body knowledge, musicality, learning and partner communication.
Movement is not considered only in terms of which steps or figures are danced, but also how weight, timing, space, perception and connection interact.
Leading and following are treated as reciprocal communication: one person prepares movement possibilities and makes them perceptible, while the other responds through self-organized movement. Both roles remain perceptive, adaptive and autonomous.