Turning Tips!

One thing that every dancer always wants to improve is turns. Why? Well, there is no limit on turning. You can do a great single pirouette? Now do a double. You can do a double en pointe? Next master a triple. You can always build on turns to make them better, which is why they're so tricky. Here are a few little tips to help push your turns to the next level.

1. Spot! Spotspotspotspot. Did I mention, spot. Seriously, spotting is necessary to do more than one turn in a row. The faster you can spot, the better. The way I practiced spotting was by sticking a bright sticky note on the wall, and always keeping my eyes on it when practicing. In the studio, pick something specific to spot until you can do it well. I like to look at the door hinge (oddly specific) when spotting in studio.

2. Don't use too much power! When a lot of people start turning, they use too much power. I did this too. Think of a turn as a balance, and just use enough power to get yourself around. Don't torque yourself up like you're about to do 50 pirouettes.

3. Practice balances. Practice balancing in passe, or in second, or whatever position you want to turn in. The longer you can balance, the longer you can turn.

4. Get on your leg. So, I'm not sure if this will make sense to everyone, but you want to "get on your leg" when turning. Hm, let me try to explain this. When in a pirouette prep position, say, in 4th, you want all your weight on your front let. This is so you can immediately spring up into a balancing position. If you have weight on both legs, it won't be as clean and efficient. If you're turning from 5th, stay on your toes! No weight in your heels at all.

5. Don't move. Okay, well obviously you have to move. What I mean by this is, while you are turning, don't shift your arms or legs. Once the turn starts, pretend like everything is glued into place. Keep your arms still, and don't move your working leg.

6. Posture! Stand up tall, engage your stomach muscles, open your chest, shoulders back and over your hips, hips even, pelvis tucked. Not too hard to remember, eh?

Hope this is helpful, good luck turning!