John wrote: > Why teach the dosido spin? Because it helps people to know which way to > spin, and because there are elements like catching your partner's eyes > between the spins that people won't necessarily pick up without some > guidance. >
I started spinning during dosidos during my first few contra dances. I did so because of one advantage that has not yet been mentioned here: If you do NOT spin then you must walk backwards during half of the figure. Walking backwards is awkward because you could step on someone if you don't look over your shoulder. The spinning allows you to look in your direction of movement several times during the move...kind of like in a waltz. So, basically, spinning can be safer than the "straight" dosido. I think folks will figure out pretty quickly that spinning to the left is much easier so I see no need to teach the spinning. - Greg McKenzie West Coast, USA
