4. Spot Turns
Spot Turns are 3 forward steps danced solo by leader and/or follower, circling either L or R, When turning R, begin with the LF. The last step may begin forward and end side where the distance between partners doesn't allow space for a forward step. If preferred, when turning L, the ball of LF may remain in place, while turning is made around this foot. Likewise the ball of RF may stay in place when turning R.
When danced at the same time as the partner, the Leader turns L and the Follower turns R, or vice versa. Spot Turns may also be danced individually by the leader or follower, while partner uses an Alternate Basic Movement or Cuban Rock or three steps of a Closed Basic Movement. The Spot Turn is a popular ending to New York, Hand to Hand, Fencing and many other figures, and may also be danced as a Switch Turn, as described in the leader's and follower's charts.
A complete turn is made when the couple begins and ends facing each other. 7/8 turn is made when begun in open PP or open CPP and ended facing partner, or when begun facing partner and ended in open PP or Open CPP. 3/4 turn is made when begun in open PP and ended in open CPP or vice versa or when begun in RSP or LSP and ended facing partner.
The beginning and ending hold will depend on the preceding or following figure. These are listed at the end of the Switch Turn charts.
Development for Member and above levels: The Spot or Switch Turn L (follower R) may be ended in open position, taking L to R hand hold at the end of 2, and taking 3 fwd leading the follower to step back.