Expert: Connie - 2/15/2011

Question
hey there! I'm not very good at pirouettes...I can only JUST do two on my right leg in chaines but not on my left. I need help being able to do more than one pirouette (not in chaines, also) and to polish up on my single pirouettes. could you help?
thanks! (by the way, I don't have pointes yet, so you don't have to add anything for that in your answer:) )     thankyou!

Answer
Pirouettes are a hard step that many dancers struggle with.  Think of the basics first.  Place your feet in a fourth position with 60% of the weight on the front leg and 40% on the back.  Push off your back foot powerfully and releve STRAIGHT UP on your front foot.  Make sure you're supporting leg is straight and perpendicular to the ground.  Spot decisively and try to finish still up on demi-pointe.  Think of holding your core muscles straight and making sure your hips stay level.  You can also think of your hips and torso initiating the turn rather than your arms.  The more  you practice pirouettes the easier they'll get.  Make a point of staying after class and doing a couple of extra pirouettes.  They should improve with some hard work!  Good luck. =]