One notable exception is Todd Eldredge, who normally spins clockwise. Additionally, Michelle Kwan is famous for having learned to spin in both directions. This is a very difficult skill which very few skaters take the time to learn. The direction of spin determines which foot the spin is performed on. Forward and back denotes the direction the foot appears to be going, but it is really a misnomer.
Most spins performed are pivot spins.
The skate pivots, or should pivot around a relatively small point on the ice. Technically, there is no edge to this spin. The skater is directly over his or her skate, there is no lean to either side. When the skater finishes the spin, the tracing from the blade should be no more than about two inches in diameter and should all be in one place. Some spins, however, are performed on a particular edge rather than on a pivot.