What You'll Learn
- How turnout initiates every plié and fondu movement for better stability
- Maintaining hip alignment and avoiding 'sitting back' in the joint during rotation
- The direct relationship between lateral rotation and the cou-de-pied position
- Using tendu exercises to reinforce and stretch the hip rotators
- Techniques for feeling the deep muscles of the hip during slow, meditative barre work
About This Video
In this comprehensive 22-minute "Deep Dive" session at Broche Ballet, we explore the fundamental mechanics of turnout beyond just the placement of the feet. Turnout is the cornerstone of classical ballet technique, yet it is often misunderstood as a static position rather than a dynamic, constant action. This class focuses on how active turnout from the hip socket facilitates the shapes we make in the body, particularly when transitioning from a straight leg to a bent position.
We begin by examining how turning out from the hip actively creates the space for a functional plié and a fluid fondu. You will learn that a proper cou-de-pied isn't just a foot placement; it is the result of a deep rotation in the hip that allows the leg to bend correctly and safely. By focusing on the engagement of the deep rotator muscles rather than forcing the feet, you will find a more stable and functional range of motion throughout your entire practice.
Throughout the barre sequence, we address common technical pitfalls, such as the tendency to "sit back" on the supporting hip or lose rotation during a tendu à la seconde. The instructor provides detailed corrections to help you stay forward and lifted in your hips, ensuring that your weight is properly centered and your rotation remains active from the top of the femur down to the toes. This meditative, slow-paced approach to barre allows you to feel the intricate connections between your pelvic alignment and your movement quality.
By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of how to maintain turnout through transitions, especially when moving between tendu and fondu in various positions like fourth or à la seconde. These principles provide a solid foundation for more complex center work and will help you achieve the long, rotated lines characteristic of professional ballet.
