Mastering Turnout Class #5: Working Leg Focus especially Devant

Welcome to Class #5 of our Mastering Turnout series at Broche Ballet. This comprehensive 51-minute session shifts our focus to the mechanics of the working leg, specifically exploring turnout in positions devant (to the front). Maintaining a stable, rotated position while the leg is in motion is one of the most challenging aspects of ballet technique, but it is essential for achieving the clean lines and functional strength required for advanced work.

In this class, we delve into the mechanics of rotation during foundational movements such as dégagé and grand battement. You will learn how to prioritize the "heel forward, toe back" principle to prevent the common pitfall of the leg turning inward as it lifts or returns to a closed position. We address the relationship between the working hip and the standing side, emphasizing the need to push down into the floor with the hip to lift the heel properly.

This downward energy is vital for preventing the hip from lifting, which often causes the heel to slip backward and the turnout to be lost. Proper alignment is key to unlocking your range of motion. We explore the role of the core muscles in stabilizing the pelvis, allowing for greater freedom of movement in the hip socket without compromising posture.

Whether you are performing a sharp coup-de-pied or a powerful grand battement devant, the focus remains on consistent, active rotation from the very top of the leg. By using "small bites" of control on the inside of the leg, you can ensure your turnout remains active and dynamic throughout every exercise at the barre. This practice is designed to bridge the gap between static turnout and the fluid rotation needed for professional-level execution.

By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to maintain your best turnout even as the height of your movements increase. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and build a stronger, more turned-out foundation.