Twirling Dancer

So, this article features an optical illusion of sorts: the silhouette of a twirling dancer. When you look at it, which way do you see her spinning? You can actually see it either direction:

The Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

For a few minutes, I didn't believe it, or didn't think I could stop her spinning clockwise. Then what I did was look down at the shadow beneath her and tried to convince myself that the spinning leg was in front when I thought it was behind, and vice versa. Eventually, I got the image to change directions, but predominantly when I first look she spins clockwise. Which makes sense, given I seem to have all the characteristics of a heavily right-brained person.

After a little practice, I could make her change directions almost at will by closing my eyes, visualizing her spinning the other way, and looking at the shadow first.

(Via Kevin Drum.)

Comments

[Penny Dreadful]

That is so cool! I didn't think I'd be able to get her to spin the other way either, but eventually she did. I have a headache now.

[Michele]

I saw it counter-clockwise for a few minutes, then I looked a little to the side of the window and saw it clockwise. But then I couldn't get it to go counter-clockwise again. Then it crashed my computer.