Expert: Connie - 8/28/2007

Question
I am having alot of trouble with my pirouettes, especially spotting and stopping (controlled) I can easily turn once, but a double is ifffy, Also my Extentions aren't that good, my hip feel and sounds like it pops when I do them, and My Center split, the one with your legs out to the side I am almost there, but I have to stretch first or I am two feet from the ground again.  And each time I practice my front splits, They seem to just get worse, or my back knee bends?? HELP!!!

Answer
All right, pirouettes first.  Make sure you are using your basic stance.  Your stomach should be in and there should be no curve in your back.  Start with doing one turn like this, then two, then three, etc.  Practice every day after class.  Make sure to only put in enough force for the amount of turns you want to do and you'll be able to stop easier.
Extensions: is the hip popping painful?  If it's just there, don't worry about it.  If it's painful you might want to talk to your teacher about it, or go see a physical therapist.
Splits:  It's okay to have to stretch before being able to get all the way to the ground.  In fact, you're supposed to be warm before you stretch.  For the front splits just go as far as you can without your back knee bending.  You could also do a hamstring, quad, and hip stretch before your split and then the split will be easier.
I wish there was an easy solution to all of the above, but really the best way to improve all three things is to just keep practicing.  Good luck!