How to Backspin

Do you want to impress when you're on the dance floor? Learn to do the backspin. Of course, this is something that won't work well if you suddenly whip it out at a wedding reception--unless the proper music's being played, of course. When it is, go wild. But always remember this: with great power comes great responsibility. Read on to learn how to use that backspin wisely and well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Dress for success. Wear a shirt that's smooth and without much texture. Something that's smoothly knit will work well. Remember, you're going to be spinning around on your back. It won't be too comfortable to spin around on something that feels like sandpaper against your skin, no matter how cool the back spin may look.
2. Be aware of the beat. You want to make sure every move you do on the dance floor reflects it.
3. Sit on the floor, timing your movements with the beat.
4. Spread your legs apart, bending them at the knee, and place your feet on the ground before you.
5. Place your left hand back behind you. Swing your right leg up and around and tip onto your back as you do so. This will cause you to start spinning around on your back. As you spin, gradually pull your arms and legs in, which will help you backspin longer.
6. Be sure to spin high on your back—closer to your shoulder blades than the middle of your back.
7. Work on making that backspin really wild. Get up your momentum as you spin (this will take some practice), and gradually bring you legs up higher and higher. Try to imagine an ice skater pirouetting on the ice, and work on replicating that while spinning.