What You'll Learn
- How to actively engage the deep rotator muscles for functional turnout.
- The specific knee back, heel forward mechanic for executing de la paise.
- Strategies to maintain rotation during slow adagio and extensions to la seconde.
- How to identify and correct hip flexor gripping during technical barre work.
About This Video
Turnout is the fundamental building block of classical ballet technique, yet it remains one of the most challenging aspects for dancers to master. In this specialized Broche Ballet class, we move beyond simply standing in a rotated position and delve into the active mechanics of rotation. This technical barre session is specifically designed to help you understand what turnout is and, more importantly, how to dance with it through every movement.
The centerpiece of this lesson is the de la paise technique. Our instructor breaks down this movement into its essential components: the simultaneous action of pulling the knee back while extending the heel forward. This specific coordination is vital for creating a clean, rotated line in both front and back extensions.
By practicing this in slow motion, you will develop the muscle memory necessary to maintain your rotation even as the complexity of the choreography increases. We also explore the role of the clamshell muscles—the deep rotators behind the glute—and learn how to engage them effectively without over-relying on the hip flexors or quads. As we progress through the barre, we apply these turnout principles to adagio and passé movements.
You will learn the difference between maintaining rotation in the front versus the back, ensuring that your heel continues to rotate down and forward as you move. This focus on technical precision allows you to find the flow while keeping your technique sharp. By engaging your core and focusing on your alignment, you will find greater stability in your center balancing and more fluidity in your la seconde positions.
Whether you are an intermediate dancer looking to refine your lines or an advanced student revisiting the basics, this class offers the technical depth needed to transform your dancing. Join us at Broche Ballet to build a stronger, more functional turnout today.
