Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 6/4/2009

Question
Hi!!
I'm preparing to sit my RAD Intermediate exam and am having some problems..i recently just face planted during a double piroutte en dehors and i'm now so nervous to even try, i can't seem to keep the balance to hit a double and gracefully land...and with poses pirouttes, could you break that down step by step please? i'm  told you need to close in a perfect fifth before swishing out for the next one.

and last but not least, adage..my extensions especially in ronde jambe en'lair and fouette of adage and the developpe, i know aside balance, i can't keep the leg at a height from a la second to fouette to derriere, the height drops heaps. and my extension devant on the left leg just won't hold up at 90degrees and i struggle to keep it up.

i'm desperate for any further advice!! please help!! would thoroughly appreciate your help!! thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Joanne. All you need to do is find out where your balance goes off. It may be in the demi plie before the pirouette, or coming down from the previous one. Read through these following articles, they will help you.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-improve-basics-of-p...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-can-i-improve-basics-o...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2007/11/building-strength-for-stro...

Joanne I have to rush off now but will answer you again today in regards to your extensions.

Back soon, Dianne

Okay here are the other links, to help with your extensions and strength.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/03/build-strength-for-ballet-...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/03/build-strength-in-your-cen...

Your extension devant on the left side could be impaired because of strength in your right supporting side (turnout, or core muscles) or could be from tightness in your left hamstring, or weakness in your left quads, or thigh muscles. Unfortunately I cannot see you so I can't be more specific than that.

As for the pose pirouettes, I think you mean picque turns. Usually those turns are taught ending with a coupe, where the leg in retire replaces the supporting foot which then shoots out to begin the next turn. So no, you do not need to achieve a fifth position between turns.

I hope this helps Joanne and best of luck with your exam!