Expert Tips for Mastering Balanced Soutenu Turns in Ballet

Soutenu turns are a staple of ballet choreography, appearing in everything from beginner center work to advanced variations. However, maintaining balance and control during this quick rotation can be surprisingly difficult. In this Broche Ballet "Quick Tidbit," we dive into the common pitfalls of the soutenu and provide a visual trick to help you maintain your center throughout the movement.

The primary challenge with a soutenu turn is body placement. To execute a successful turn, your weight must stay centered over your support system. In ballet, this usually means staying on top of your heels.

However, when you rise into a relevé for a turn, those heels are lifted from the floor, and your base of support narrows significantly. This is where many dancers struggle, often allowing their weight to shift backward. Falling back during a turn makes it nearly impossible to land gracefully or transition into the next movement calmly.

The key to a stable soutenu is intentional forward movement. You must think about keeping your body weight over your front leg as you initiate the rotation. This forward momentum ensures that you stay "on your leg" throughout the turn.

If you find yourself consistently falling out of the turn or losing your balance backward, try this specific visual trick: look at the floor. While we are often taught to spot at eye level, focusing your gaze slightly downward toward the floor can trick your brain and body into staying forward. While this might cause a moment of dizziness for some, it serves as an effective physical anchor to prevent you from leaning back.

By directing your energy and focus forward and down, you stabilize your core and ensure a cleaner finish. Join Broche Ballet to refine your technique and bring more confidence to your turns.