Step by Step Ballet: Mastering the Soutenu Turn (Class 1 of 3)

The soutenu turn is a staple of ballet center work and transitions, yet it requires precise coordination to execute with grace. In this first installment of our three-part Step by Step series at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of this elegant movement. Over the course of 22 minutes, you will move beyond simply spinning and begin to understand the architectural precision required for a professional-looking turn.

We begin our session by reviewing the foundational sous-sus position. Proper foot placement is the bedrock of a successful soutenu. Our instructor guides you through the nuances of starting with the right leg in front and finishing with the left leg in front, a transition that often confuses beginner and intermediate dancers alike.

By breaking the movement down into its component parts—the initial step, the rise into sous-sus, the halfway rotation, and the final foot placement—you will gain a clearer mental map of the turn. A key focus of this class is maintaining the front foot throughout the rotation. You will learn how to identify which foot should be leading and how to prevent the common mistake of letting the feet tangle or losing their relative positions.

We encourage you to have your barre nearby; while the goal is to perform these in the center, using a barre for stability allows you to focus purely on the weight transfer and footwork without the distraction of balance. Throughout the lesson, you will practice the movement from different corners of the room. This spatial awareness is crucial for applying the soutenu in a full choreography context.

The instructor provides real-time corrections on arm placement and head alignment to ensure your turns are as graceful as they are technically sound. By the end of this class, you will have the tools to practice the soutenu with confidence, paving the way for more advanced turning sequences in your future dance journey.