Carousel, Corkscrew & Side Spin Extension

adamseve started this discussion · 4/18/2009

I'm working on getting these two moves while I improve my overall strength to be able to do the chopper and other moves that require so much more abdominal strength than I currently have. I can do the carousel pretty much, but I want to make sure I'm supposed to arch my back while performing this spin. Also, I believe the secondary arm is supposed to be locked according to Veena's lesson. Correct? As for the corkscrew, please tell me how in the heck to push off and get my body around the pole. I have to assume this position requires a good deal of strength in the arms and upper body strength Correct? Finally, the side spin extension. I can get my body in the right position, but it feels so awkward. I know I'm in the right position because I've watched several forum members perform this spin as well reviewed it in my Vertical Dance workout. Will it ever feel natural? Thanks a bunch.

7 replies

Gsylass · 4/18/2009
Hi, just wanted to sympathise with your corkscrew issue - it took me weeks to master it! I don't know if this'll be the same for you, but I find I really have to visualise what I want my body to do before I can come close to making it comply, and also I found that the corkscrew was easier once I mastered a reverse grab, as it's essentially the same thing but with your hands together up top instead. I had to become more comfortable with my grip for spinning, then think that I was throwing myself feet first around the pole, really concentrating on visualising the corkscrewing motion. Also, I find that sometimes learning a new spin on spinny setting means I can concentrate on body placement, then I go to static to incorporate momentum. I still think I look like I'm taking a dump on a carousel, but one day I will look gorgeous lol! and I can't do a side spin extension either, if it's what I think it is (I just found one on YouTube by Robybobbin). Post us a video when you get it, won't you please? 🌸
monz1984 · 4/19/2009
I don't know very many intermediate moves, but I am happy to say, I can now do the corkscrew with the help of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twj6Sx5D_iE
pole-twista · 4/19/2009
the only thing i can tell yo u wo seeing you for the corkscrew is make sure your back is relaxed going into it you wont be able to get that nice arch around the pole if your stiff
Foxy_Rei · 4/19/2009
I don't know very many intermediate moves, but I am happy to say, I can now do the corkscrew with the help of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twj6Sx5D_iE That doesn't look like the same corkscrew I'm thinking of... this clip from the Kelly Kayne video is what I think of when I think corkscrew (jump to 50 seconds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-peZkuVosc The body position is similar because your back is arching around the pole, but one of them is using the reverse grab and the one on the Kelly Kayne video doesn't... Adamseve, which version are you trying to do???
monz1984 · 4/19/2009
Yes. After I posted it, I realized that it was the wrong move too! But I am doing the corkscrew really well. In order for me to do it, I have to walk, then hold the pole with both hands while I pull my chest up and then I use momentum to push my legs first around the pole. I'm not a great teacher, but this is my best effort.
adamseve · 4/20/2009
Thanks for the tips & videos. I'm just gonna have to keep practicing and one day I'm sure my body and my mind will make it happen.
miss fern · 5/29/2009
Carousel Tips To whoever said they look like they're taking a dump (hehehe!) - that's an easy fix. your legs are just in the wrong position a little. When you're doing the Carousel, look down towards the ground. Do you see your thighs and knees? You shouldn't! You want to push them backwards (for an EXTREME example (just to get the concept across), imagine trying to touch the back of your head with the soles of your feet.) So arch your back, and straighten your hips (push them forwards/tuck in your butt). Take a look at the picture I drew, below - if you don't understand! http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8176/carouselposture.jpg CorkscrewTips If you can't get your body around the pole I suggest: When standing next to the pole, inside hand grabbing lowest, outside hand highest -- you want to jump straight FORWARDS. So give yourself a "run up" by standing a little behind the pole (still to the side though, with arms still in the right position) and swing your weight foreards as you jump. If you have a mirror, the trick is the try and look directly at yourself for as long as possible. Once you have cleared the pole (as in, once you've jumped far enough forward, that your hips are in front of the pole now), and not before, you want to arch your back, and direct your body around the pole. To direct your body around the pole, keep your hips facing forwards (or 'the audience') but also pull/direct your hips in the direction you are spinning, to try and wrap your torso around the pole. Does that make sense? It's hard to describe (AND draw!) Don't forget to position your legs correctly after all that! (The inside, or back, leg stretched out BEHIND you (just like I described for the Carousel) and the outside, or front, leg bent in the Snowflake/Sunwheel angle.) Good luck with those, girls! Hope my post helps 😀