What You'll Learn
- How to position your lower spine for maximum hip rotation
- The role of pelvic placement in 'unlocking' your femur bones
- Techniques to avoid the 'up and over' pelvic tilt that hinders rotation
- Maintaining pelvic stability during demi-pliés and grand pliés
About This Video
Achieving a functional and beautiful turnout is a primary goal for many dancers, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood elements of ballet technique. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the underlying biomechanics is the key to sustainable progress. In this focused instructional video, we dive into two essential keys for unlocking your turnout by focusing on the critical relationship between your lower spine and your pelvis.
Most fitness modalities emphasize a natural curve in the spine, but in ballet, a flatter lower spine position is often necessary to create the space required for maximum rotation. When the pelvis is tilted forward, it can essentially "trap" the femur bones, limiting how far they can rotate within the hip sockets. By learning to lengthen the lower back and bring the bony structure of the pelvis down and back, you allow the femur to move more freely. This subtle shift in pelvic placement is often the "missing link" for dancers struggling to increase their range of motion without forcing their feet.
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining this unlocked position during dynamic movement, specifically during various forms of pliés. Whether performing a demi-plié or a grand plié, the pelvis must remain neutral and still. A common mistake is allowing the pelvis to hinge or tip as the knees bend, which immediately compromises the turnout. In a correct ballet plié, the knees should pull away from each other sideways while the spine remains long and the pelvis stays stable. This allows you to "ride" the movement without losing the rotation you have worked so hard to establish. By mastering these two technical adjustments—lengthening the lower spine and stabilizing the pelvis—you will find that your turnout feels less forced and more integrated into your overall movement. This refined approach not only improves your aesthetic line but also protects your joints from unnecessary strain.
