Four Tips For Turns

I realized that I have not done a tip or trick on my blog in a really long time so I thought what better than turns to bring it back. I am still trying t get better at turns just like everyone but I have learned some great tips about them through out my dance life and recently that I thought I would share with you. Turns are one of the most important components of Ballet. Usually you have a better side, mine is the right, but it is very important to work nth sides because when you are working in the core you do not get to choose what side you turn on individually because you all have to be the same. Also no company audition is only going to have you work things to the right, so you always have to be prepared for that dreaded sentence o when you finish a combination and the teacher yells out "alright now n the left" or "alright now reverse it". These can be really scary if you do not practice one side enough so make sure to even your training out even though it is definitely more rewarding to do your good side. Ok so now on to the tips, hope you enjoy and this held you whip out the best turns ever.


Tip 1~ Balance
Balance is the single most important part of a turn. I your balance is off you can not even begin to spin. Many people do not balance in their turns and those are the people you see spiraling out of control. It may seem simple to balance but it actually take a constant effort you can not go up and hope to balance you have to focus in every part of your body and keep still. A way that you can work on balance is to do the turn combo with out turns. This may seem crazy but you will see exactly where your alignment and position must be to balance from every position. If you really want to work on balance in general get a balance board. These are round and squishy at the bottom and you have to balance on top. These are not only great for balance but also for control.


Tip 2~ Spot
Spotting your head is also very important in turning. This helps to not get dizzy and to keep you in one spot. For your spot look at your self in the mirror or something at eye level. You do not want to look above or below this because then it throws off your balance. Your head is the heaviest part of you and if you let it out it becomes impossible. another thing about spotting is maker sure to keep it at and even tempo or rate. This will help with you musicality and will ultimately make or brake the turn. It give you force and speed when you need it to keep the turn going.


Tip 3~ Position
Keeping the position the same throughout the whole turn will not only look better but it will help you get around. You should have 3 separate positions throughout the entire turn.
1- fifth before you take off

Photo by Basic Ballet

2- The turning position

Photo by Dicas de Ballet 

3- Landing position. 4th or 5th

Photo by Bag of Ballet

When you take off don't hesitate the front foot or turn it in keep it in fifth it will make sure your leg travels straight up While in the turning position do not cross your foot over your standing leg.



Tip 4~ Finish
Remember to always finish! Time and time again I have heard teachers tell about if you land on the floor you get back up and finish. NO matter how bad your turn is finish it like it was the best one ever. The people watching do not know it wasn't and it always a good sign when someone finishes everything they do. Even if you didn't stick the landing fake it until you make it. It is good for your body to get into the habit of finishing each step no matter what. So whatever your turn looked like from your ending pose it should look like it was the best it could ever be. Walah!


I hope these four tips help in your future turning endeavors! Maybe now you will look like Beckanne Sisk.  Let me know what side is your favorite down below.