2 3 Mad Monday Technical Tool | Ballet Webb

Monday, December 22, 2014

Mad Monday Technical Tool


Mad Monday Technical Tool

Turn-out is often viewed of as how “flat” one’s fifth position is. This flatness becomes the goal, instead of the position being the side effect of correctly rotating the leg (femur) in the hip socket. Correct rotation, practiced over time, will produce the coveted flat fifth.

Unfortunately, all too often dancers force their feet into a flat position before the muscles above have developed the strength to hold the position – and more importantly – use the position. I have talked about this before:  safe and effective turn-out comes from above, not below.

This is because turn-out is a tool, and an important one. Correct turn-out (rotation) produces strength and stability.  For example, rotating the working leg a bit extra right before stepping onto it creates a wonderfully strong, suspended position on one leg. In addition, using the rotational muscles also allows for solid balances, particularly in positions like retiré and cou de pied. Ballet technique is based on the functionality of one’s turn-out. Having an aesthetically pleasing fifth position is simply a side benefit.

Try focusing on the feeling of rotation in the hip socket for the duration of your next class. You might be surprised how powerful this turn-out tool is!

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #3m:  
“Turn-out is a practical tool for technique.”

                Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”
-          George Herbert


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