Expert: Connie - 11/8/2009

Question
hi !!! I'm from Mexico and I've been doing ballet four years ago...the problem is my turn out It's terrible because i don't know I feel  that if my legs can't open more and i feel terrible I love ballet It's my passion but i don't know how to improve my turn out It's sad I tried to do the advices from my teacher but i think that It doesn't work I will be pleasure with your advices !!!

Answer
Improving turn out is a difficult thing to do.  Our bodies are all different, with different amounts of turn out built in.  The best thing you can do is utilize what you have to the best of your ability.  Make sure your basic stance is held, your back is straight, and you abs and butt are engaged.  Think about turn out when landing from jumps and doing pirouettes.  

Some people just aren't born with enough turn out to become professional ballet dancers.  If you want to dance professionally and you and your teachers feel your turn out will not allow it you can branch out into jazz, modern, and contemporary dance, where turn out is less of an issue.  Good luck, and I hope this was helpful!