What trick do figure skaters use to convince the audience that they don’t feel dizzy after a spin?
Why can’t skaters rely on the technique of “spotting” that dancers use?
Discussion Questions: Describe something that has become second nature to you due to repeated practice or exposure. Do you have any tricks for beginners?
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Figure Skaters Do Get Dizzy
Have you ever wondered how figure skaters spin so many times without getting dizzy? Figure skaters do experience dizziness, but they have a few different ways to conceal their feeling, and to stay upright after their rotations. One trick is to blur their eyes. Unlike dancers who fixate on something (spotting) while spinning, skaters spin much faster and train their eyes to go out of focus to avoid dizziness. They do fixate on a specific spot after they come out of a spin to help orient themselves in the rink. Skaters often plan a little dance move after a long spin. This brief interlude allows them to regain their balance. They also build up a tolerance over time. Beginner figure skaters are taught to ignore the feeling of dizziness. They tell themselves they won’t fall down, and eventually spinning becomes second nature.
Yes, figure skaters experience dizziness but they learn how to conceal and tolerate it.
Figure skaters sometimes add a small dance move after a long spin in order to regain their balance without the audience noticing.
Skaters can’t rely on the technique of “spotting” that dancers use because they spin much faster. Instead they learn to blur their eyes.
