What You'll Learn
- Why first position is more physically demanding than parallel when dancing en pointe.
- The role of the 'last mile' of rotation in the ankles and feet for proper alignment.
- How to maintain turnout without the friction and support of the floor.
- How to distinguish between healthy muscle engagement and dangerous turnout pain.
- The connection between hip rotation and vertical stability on your pointe shoes.
About This Video
Have you ever noticed that finding your turnout en pointe feels significantly more difficult than when you are on flat feet? For many adult dancers, the transition from parallel to first position while on the tips of their toes is a major technical hurdle. In this Broche Ballet Q&A session, we dive deep into the mechanics of rotation and why the 'last mile' of turnout is so elusive once you put on your pointe shoes.
One of the primary reasons turnout feels harder en pointe is the lack of support from the floor. When we are on flat feet, the friction between our slippers and the floor provides a certain level of stability that helps us 'hold' our rotation. Once we move en pointe, that support vanishes.
You are balanced on a small platform, and the satin of the shoes can often feel slippery, requiring your hips to work twice as hard to hold the femur in its rotated position within the hip socket. In this video, we explore why first position demands even more rotation than parallel. To achieve a truly straight vertical alignment through the legs and ankles, your hips must provide a level of turnout that exceeds what you might use in a standard plié or tendu on flat.
We discuss the importance of the ankles and how the final bit of rotation actually manifests in the feet to create that desired line. We also address a common concern: turnout pain. Understanding the difference between 'healthy' muscle engagement in the deep hip rotators and 'bad' joint pain is crucial for any dancer's longevity.
When you engage those deep muscles correctly, you might feel a productive burn that signifies you are building the necessary strength to maintain your positions. This strength-building process is essential, and as you master turnout en pointe, you will find those improvements trickling down to improve your overall technique on flat feet as well. Join Broche Ballet as we break down these complex mechanics to help you dance with more confidence and better alignment.
