In response to various posts: Having your arms slightly out from your body DOES help with balance, by increasing your moment of inertia. That's why tightrope walkers have their arms out - not that I am recommending you put them that far out! Having them folded DOES make it harder to balance! Yes, most people can still spin, but why make it harder for yourself! Using your arms effectively can help you spin more easily - you bring them out a little before the spin then bring them in closer as you spin - I take my right arm out slightly to the side as I start a counter-clockwise spin in a right-shoulder dosido and wrap it in front of me as I spin (I am used to doing this as I teach a number of other dance styles which have spinning in and it is a key part of getting good spins). I usually do three spins in a dosido, catching my partner's eyes three times, so my arm moves out and in three times. For me it is a reflex action. It is not a big movement, but it helps make the spins easier and smoother. You will see ice skaters doing the same thing to get multiple spins. If you are interested in the science see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angular_momentum I definitely don't get in the way of people's pleasure - I just tactfully let those who are learning a dosido for the first time know that they don't need to fold their arms, but that they can if they want to. We call our sessions "Dancing for Fun" so I make sure every one is smiling! :-) Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent