Do the Elbow Spin
Learn and practice the Elbow Spin dance move by safely rotating your torso and arms, counting turns, improving balance, coordination, and rhythm.
Step-by-step guide to do the elbow spin
Step 1
Wear comfortable clothes.
Step 2
Put on non-slip shoes or go barefoot.
Step 3
Clear a flat space by moving toys and furniture at least one arm's length away.
Step 4
Warm up for two minutes by marching in place.
Step 5
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend your knees slightly.
Step 6
Raise your elbows to shoulder height and bend them so your forearms are parallel to the floor.
Step 7
Choose one spot on a wall or object to use as your spotting point.
Step 8
Turn your head quickly to look at the spot before each rotation and keep your eyes on it as you begin to turn.
Step 9
Practice a slow half-turn by rotating your torso and letting your arms follow while keeping your elbows steady.
Step 10
Do a full 360° turn by pushing gently with your toes and rotating your torso and arms while using your spotting point.
Step 11
Repeat the full turn five times, resting if you need to.
Step 12
Play a song at a comfortable tempo and practice spinning to the beat for thirty seconds.
Step 13
Share your finished Elbow Spin on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have non-slip shoes or a suitable wall for a spotting point?
If you don't have non-slip shoes follow the instructions by going barefoot or wearing grip/yoga socks, and if there's no clear wall use a sturdy chair, a taped mark on a piece of furniture, or a large sticker as your spotting point.
My child is getting dizzy or losing balance during turns—what step should we change?
Have them repeat the two-minute warm-up, practice the slow half-turn while keeping elbows parallel to the floor, use the spotting point before each rotation, bend knees slightly, and rest between full 360° turns to reduce dizziness and improve balance.
How can we adapt the Elbow Spin for different ages or skill levels?
For younger kids shorten to assisted half-turns holding a parent's hands and use a 15-second song, while older or more skilled kids can increase beyond five full turns, try faster-tempo songs for 30–60 seconds, or add single-foot spins before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after they can do the Elbow Spin?
Extend the activity by timing thirty-second spin challenges to different songs, decorating a custom spotting-point sticker, recording a video of the sequence, and uploading the best take with a short description to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to do the elbow spin
The Elbow Dance- Hip Hop Dance for Kids
4 Videos
The Elbow Dance- Hip Hop Dance for Kids
Dance Spins For Beginners | Spins in 3 Levels | Contemporary Dance Tutorial |Fun Moves| UnleashDance
How to Breakdance | Elbow Spin | Lil Cesar (Air Force Crew, Los Angeles)
Dance Turns and Spins| For Beginner to Advance Dancers
Facts about dance and movement skills for kids
🔁 Dancers usually count music in 8-beat phrases (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8) to time spins and steps precisely.
🕺 Elbow spins are a stylish part of breaking and hip-hop routines where dancers use arm and torso rotation to spin smoothly.
🎵 Matching spins to the music's beat makes moves look sharper and helps you keep a steady rhythm.
💪 Strong core and shoulder muscles make elbow spins easier and help you hold your pose with control.
🧠 Your inner ear helps you balance while spinning — practice helps your brain and body stay coordinated.
How do you do the Elbow Spin?
What materials do I need for the Elbow Spin?
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What are safety tips and fun variations for the Elbow Spin?
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