What You'll Learn
- How to maintain active rotation during the transition from demi-pointe to plié
- Techniques for pushing off with the heel forward to preserve turnout in the air
- Specific exercises like ton lié to build turnout muscle memory for jumps
- How to prevent the body from seeking stability in parallel positions during fatigue
- The importance of the 'promenade effect' in the upper leg during landing
About This Video
Maintaining turnout during jumps is one of the most challenging aspects of ballet technique. Many dancers find that while their rotation is strong at the barre, it tends to vanish the moment they leave the floor in a changement or sauté. In this session from our January 2024 Q&A, Broche Ballet explores the mechanics of why turnout is lost and how to fix it.
We focus specifically on the 'takeoff' and 'landing' phases of the jump. Often, turnout is lost during the transition from demi-pointe to a full plié because the body naturally seeks a more stable, parallel position as it fatigues. To combat this, you must train your legs to spiral from the hip, pushing the heels forward as you descend.
We discuss how to use your demi-pointe work and ton lié exercises to build the necessary muscle memory. You will learn how to feel the heel come forward during a single-leg push-off and how to maintain that engagement throughout a changement. By understanding the 'promenade effect' at the top of the leg, you can achieve maximum turnout even in the quickest petit allegro sequences.
Whether you are struggling with your back leg in a chassé or losing your fifth position in a changement, these training tips will help you stay turned out from start to finish. Join us as we break down the common mistakes in jumping technique and provide actionable exercises to keep your legs rotated, secure, and beautiful in the air and on the ground.
.png)
