Ballet Turnout and Torque: Seated and Lying Exercises for Functional Power

Mastering the art of ballet requires more than just grace; it requires incredible physical power and mechanical efficiency. In this Broche Ballet session, "Turnout and Torque," we move away from the barre and onto the floor to explore how to generate force from the core of your body. By using seated and lying exercises, dancers can isolate the specific muscles responsible for deep external rotation and explosive movement without the immediate burden of balance.

This class focuses heavily on the concept of torque—the rotational force that drives successful pirouettes and dynamic jumps. Through a series of bridge and tap movements, you will learn to engage your glutes and hamstrings in a way that translates directly to standing technique. One of the key takeaways is the importance of "octopus-like" coordination: the ability to move all limbs in unison to create a singular, powerful action.

This timing is essential for the "day after" practice, where the muscle memory developed on the floor begins to manifest in your center work. We also dive into technical precision, such as maintaining proper form in passé back. It is vital to keep the back of the knee touching the standing ankle to ensure a clean line and functional turnout.

This attention to detail prevents common injuries and builds a more aesthetic silhouette. The workout includes light weight-bearing on the shoulders, providing a gentle upper-body challenge that complements the lower-body focus. To conclude the session, we shift our focus to recovery and flexibility.

Softening the "edge" of a stretch is crucial for longevity in dance. You will be guided through deep stretches for the calves, quads, and hips, learning to breathe through the initial panic of a deep stretch to find a new level of release. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of your body’s mechanics and the tools necessary to execute turns and jumps with newfound power and control.