by Gavin Larsen | Jan 1, 2019 | Dance Teacher, Health & Body
Turnout is one of the defining characteristics of classical ballet and the foundation of your technique, but the deceptively simple concept of external rotation can be hard to execute. For those born with hip joints that don’t naturally make a tight fifth...
by Gavin Larsen | Jan 1, 2019 | Health & Body
Understanding your external rotation—and how to make the most of it—is key for ballet dancers. These exercises, recommended specifically by physical therapists, will help you explore your turnout. Rotator Activation This simple exercise isolates turnout from the hips,...
by Amy Brandt | Mar 28, 2018 | Ask Amy, Training
I don’t have full 180-degree turnout, so I can’t make the same beautiful lines that other dancers can. Even if I strengthen my body enough to utilize my full range of motion, will anyone ever hire me? —Carmen Let’s face it—very few...
by Madeline Schrock | Sep 25, 2016 | Cross-Training, Technique
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2016 issue of Pointe. Though you may not think about it much, building strength in the muscles around the hips is a must for ballet dancers. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s physical therapist Boyd Bender even likes to...
by Madeline Schrock | Jul 31, 2016 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
This story originally appeared in the August/September 2016 issue of Pointe. Think fast: Would you like a few more degrees of turnout? If your answer is a resounding “yes” (perhaps even punctuated by a grand jeté), you’re not alone. Although natural...
by Lauren Kay | Jun 1, 2016 | Company Life
It’s important to let your body find parallel, as well as turned out, positions. (Photo by Isaac Aoki) You work hard on turnout in class every day. But once you leave the studio, make sure you’re in parallel. Walking around turned out stresses your hips,...
by Amy Brandt | Sep 24, 2014 | Ask Amy, Cross-Training, Health & Body
This story originally appeared in the August/September 2014 issue of Pointe. I recently started doing yoga and am wondering if it could have a positive impact on my turnout. If so, what poses do you recommend? —Emily The answer is yes—but not in the way you might...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 23, 2009 | Company Life
I’ve been dancing for eight years and still have poor turnout. I’ve tried many techniques and stretches, but nothing helps. Any advice? — Allison, Kansas It’s so frustrating when our bodies refuse to bend to ballet’s will! Unfortunately, we’re born with a somewhat...