Make sure you're in perspective view, select the object, hit Z to center it, then use alt+MMB to rotate the view. Or select the orbit tool in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
Down in the right hand corner, next to the little foot prints set that to "Sub Object Rotate" then when you press Z it will re-focus and rotate the viewport on whatever is selected, be it verts polys or objects. Then hold down Alt + Middle Mouse Button to drag and rotate around.
Replies
Edit: That's using 3ds Max.