Improving Turnout

What makes the performance of ballet so astonishing is the way dancers’ bodies are capable of defying the laws of physics - but we know it takes a LOT of hard work to accomplish this. Perfect turnout is something all dancers dream of having but in reality, turnout is something we must work hard to achieve, and to maintain requires a combination of rotational flexibility and the proper strength to hold that rotation. Turnout is the outward rotation of a dancer's leg from the hip. Turning out correctly uses the lower abdominal and lower back muscles, the glutes and the thighs and requires rotating your legs out from the inside of the hip all the way through to the feet. A simple way to determine your natural turnout is to start in a parallel position with your feet together. Then rock back on your heels, move your feet out into a turned out position, then let them go lowering your feet to the floor where they are comfortable. Remember, it is important not to force the turn out as this can lead to many problems. Dancers should respecting their bodies’ limitations and work with its strengths to stay healthy. Not many people are born with 180-degree rotation and most dancers don’t have perfect turnout - its something that needs to be worked on and requires good muscle control to make the best of the rotation. It is always good to do some extra work on turnout so you could ask your dance teacher to show you exercises you can do at home that will help your individual weaknesses. We have found an instructional video by Ellen Davis, on turn-out, what it is and how to find and use it in ballet which we thought was very interesting to watch. Ellen describes the turnout technique very well and demonstrates some exercises that could help you develop and strengthen your turn out. Teaching Turn-out in Ballet with Ellen Davis