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Inside and outside turns are a delineation between theConnection Point of turns in partner dance.
The turns themselves are either clockwise or counter clockwise.
In a two hand turn with both hands going over the incorporators head. One arm raises up away from the body with the elbow back(the one in the direction of the turn).
The other’s elbow goes up and arm stretches across the body palm outward and thumb down.
If we remove one hand we are left with these named turns.
The outside hand with elbow down is an Outside turn
The hand crossing the center line with elbow up is an inside turn.
The mechanics underneath these stay the same.
Theses distinctions matter more in formulaic dances with choreography and moves.
In fusion it is important to understand the distinction here for different reasons. When incorporating an inside or outside turn the incorporator keeps their elbow down. This means the elbow is kept in a strong position where turning energy can be incorporated with less likelihood of injury. The leaders elbow is up in the inside turn and back in the outside turn to avoid elbows from colliding. This is an example where matching your partner specifically leads to injury thus proprioceptive matching can cause issues and learned avoidance is necessary.