Monday, September 2, 2019

Mad Monday Back Not Around



Mad Monday Back Not Around

A common problem in pirouettes is a preparation (with the arms) that goes around. It gives the appearance of swimming in space. Not good. This happens when the dancer thinks about whipping the arms around in a circular pattern which seems like a good idea, but actually isn’t. This is especially true for the leading arm.

Instead of widely whipping the leading arm, think of the shoulder and upper body on that side going back instead of around – as the following arm comes in.  This helps keep the revolution of the turn tighter (it avoids the dreaded warped look) plus, the dancer is better able to stay securely on the supporting leg rather than being pulled around and off it.

It is a subtle difference but an important one. The next time you are having problems with pirouettes, give it a try.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Secret #14iii:
“For turns, think back, not around.”

Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“All morning I struggled with the sensation of stray wisps of one world seeping through the cracks of another. Do you know the feeling when you start reading a new book before the membrane of the last one has had time to close behind you? You leave the previous book with ideas and themes -- characters even -- caught in the fibers of your clothes, and when you open the new book, they are still with you.”
― Diane Setterfield, The Thirteenth Tale

Help expand the knowledge base!
Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

My latest books are coloring books! They are available on Amazon.

Want to know more about me? Read my interview at Ballet Connections:

Or "Like" me on my Facebook Author Page:

Or visit my Pinterest page:

For interesting articles involving mental health:

No comments:

Post a Comment