Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 7/20/2009

Question
ok, i have tried and looked up practically everything, but for some reason i just suck at turns. I try gaining more momentum, then i think maybe i got too much momentum so i try and get less, i try spotting more ferociously coming higher up into passe squeezing my abs, and doing all of this at the same time. I still cannot get past a double and a sloppy double at that. Also coupé turns are supposed to be easier i know because you have less weight or something on your supporting leg, but those are even worse for me. i just feel like such a useless dancer when it comes down to turning. How can i maybe help this, is there an exercise i can do daily?

Answer
Hi Lola. I have some articles on ballet turns that may help you. Go to http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com On the left, scroll down and there is a section of articles about turns, listed by title.

When something goes wrong in a turn there is usually a technical detail that needs correcting, that is basic to posture, balance or ballet position. In other words something can throw off turns that can be corrected, and then turns will improve.

Spotting is a matter of timing, with a relaxed neck. Also musicality, the rhythm of a turn (within the musical time allotted) helps as well. It's an inner sense, on top of everything else in the combination of things that make turns work.

A feeling of pushing down and really connecting to the floor is a stabilizing factor too.

The more accurate your position, the less force you need.

I hope you find some clues in the articles to direct your work with turns. Check every technical point mentioned, and see what you find.

All the best, Dianne