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.”
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