Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 7/29/2008

Question
I have been battling with my turn out for months and now I'm being told that
I'm over compensating causing my side tendu to go slightly back, while still
being yelled at in class to pull my heels forward. My teacher is great, x-
bolshoi, but because of his limited english I am getting really frustrated. I'm
either not tuned out enough, or overturning and not really sure where I'm
going wrong. How can I find where my turn out should sit naturally?
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Scorby. As I'm sure you already kmow, the required turnout in ballet is anatomically correct for no one.

Your natural turnout is what you have when you stand in parallel,and turnout your thighs to first position. The position your feet are in might not please you or your teacher, but that is where you begin.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2007/07/ballet-shoes-and-pointe-sh...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Ballet-Shoes,-Pointe-Shoes-and-Details-About-Turnout&i...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/01/finer-details-in-daily-rou...

Those links above are three articles I have written about turnout - I think all the details are in there....

As for tendu a la seconde, the general rule is that the extended leg would not go further back than from being in line with the supporting toe - that way both legs would be turned out equally, assuming the legs are turned out as well as the feet. In Russian training, there is expectation that you will achieve the proper foot positions whatever way you can. If you eventually injure your knees,  that is considered an occupational hazard, traditionally.

There is some ability of the foot to turn out a little at the ankle, without causing strain at the knee joint. So it depends on what turnout you have in the upper legs, as to how a strain will or will not affect you.

If you're not going for a professional career, then I would not recommend that you sacrifice any health of your knee joints whatsoever. If you understand that you can, over time, stretch and strengthen your turnout in the thighs, and gradually improve your foot positions, then you can communicate that to your teacher. Who may or may not appreciate that.

If the problem is all in your working leg positions, then yes, you press the heels forward in tendus and all leg extensions. But never on your supporting leg.

I hope I've answered your question with all these details. All the best, Dianne