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Ballet/turnout and box split

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Expert: Jennifer - 12/18/2004


Question
Hi,I would like to know what exersise I must do to have a turnout(strengthen it and make the musel work) and how to do a  box split.Please give me good streches for that!

Answer
The simple tendu is really the best exercise for turnout. When you do the exercise in class, picture your leg spiraling outward from the hip, and the heel reaching to the front. If you can concentrate on just that consistantly, I garuntee you will see a difference.

I think that the best way to develop strength for ballet is actually doing ballet movemements. You can strengthen the muscles outside of ballet, but it is likely that this strength wont be useful to the specific movements used in ballet. You want to strengthen your muscles by doing ballet movements so you will use your strength correctly!

I do not know what you mean by box split... i have not heard that term. Perhaps you could describe it for me?

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Jennifer

Expertise

I have knowledge of and access to information about ballet technique and style, professional companies, ballet history, general care of the body, questions about dance education and studios, and other general topics. I can especially offer advice to adult beginners. I will not answer any questions that would be better left to a medical professional.

Experience

I have not danced professionally, but I am a dedicated student of ballet and modern dance. I have taken classes in dance history, performed in amateur productions, attended professional performances, and read and watched many books and videos on the subject. I have also reviewed ballet performances for an online publication.

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criticaldance.com

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