Quick Ballet Tip: How to Stop Falling Out of Your Attitude Turn

In this Broche Ballet Quick Tidbit, we tackle one of the most common frustrations in center work: falling out of an attitude turn. Many dancers find themselves pitching forward or losing their center the moment the leg lifts into the attitude position. This often happens because we focus so much on the working leg that we forget about the crucial role of the upper body and spine engagement.

When performing an attitude turn, the weight distribution changes significantly compared to a standard pirouette in passé. With the working leg held in an attitude derrière position, there is a natural physical tendency for the torso to tip forward to compensate for the weight behind you. To counter this and maintain your vertical axis, you must learn to actively engage your back muscles.

Instead of trying to maintain a completely flat, vertical back, this tutorial shows you how to introduce a slight cambré or arch in the upper spine. By pulling the upper back slightly back and lifting through the chest, you create a necessary counterbalance that keeps your center of gravity directly over your supporting leg's relevé. This adjustment isn't just about creating a beautiful line; it is about the physics of rotation.

Shifting from a straight, flat back to a curved, arched position allows you to 'hold onto' your balance much more effectively as you rotate. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding these small mechanical adjustments is the key to mastering advanced ballet technique. By practicing this specific back engagement during your preparation and throughout the turn, you will find that your rotations become more stable and your finishes more controlled.

Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this quick tip provides a mental and physical checklist to run through before you step into your preparation. Stop fighting against gravity and start using your back to find your center.