June 11, 2006, 10:43 p.m. (Message 45509, in reply to message 45504)
I think Jim it all comes down to experience - all ways of dancing are safe for the initiated. I agree that the thumb hold is safe at slower pace. I would advocate that all ways of turning are taught, rather than experienced, and I would argue that most ways are turning are ignored by dance instructors. How often do you encounter that 'turning ' is a self taught 'formation' instead of a movement which has to be deciphered? I would say that 'turning' in many dance styles are a most important point which can 'make' a dance, rather than a way of getting to a point. Pia