Expert: Connie - 6/22/2010

Question
Hello Connie:)
I need your help with my pirouettes. When I turn my back seems to always lean backwards causing me to fall. My question is that is there a way to strengthen myself so that I can do a nice pirouette? I would love to learn how to do it because my teacher thinks I that I am ready to take the RAD exams next year, however I can't even do a pirouette yet! I tried to ask one of my friend, and she says that I have to be skinnier. I am 5"2 and 114 pounds and I don't think I'm that chubby. Please, help me. thankyou:)

Answer
There seem to be two things going on here.  First, I'll address the pirouettes.

It seems that working on your abdominal strength would help.  Try crunches, planks, and just engaging your abs during class.  This should strengthen those muscles.  Then, concentrate hard on keeping your abs engaged in pirouettes.  Think of being perched over your standing leg to prevent you from falling back.  If anything, try to fall forward!  And keep practicing, they'll come.

Your weight has nothing to do with your pirouettes, your friend is wrong.  You are at a totally healthy weight.  Sometimes for dance a very thin aesthetic is preferable and even dancers who are thin are asked to lose a few pounds.  However, I would not worry about your weight at all.  Don't let your friend push you into an unhealthy habit or make you feel bad about yourself.  For the final word on anything, go to your ballet teacher.  If you wanted to evaluate your diet I'm sure she would help you.  For now, just keep dancing and enjoying yourself.  Good luck with those pirouettes.