What You'll Learn
- How to utilize relaxation techniques to increase your natural turnout range.
- Correct alignment and glute activation for the back leg in fourth position.
- The role of internal rotation in releasing tight hip flexors for better mobility.
- Deep stretching techniques using butterfly and happy baby poses to open the pelvis.
- How to achieve better control and awareness at the end range of your rotation.
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet's deep dive into one of the most fundamental yet challenging aspects of dance: turnout. This Turnout Stretch & Strength class focuses on hip mobilization and relaxation techniques to help you find your maximum range of motion without force or tension. Many dancers struggle with "gripping" in the hips, which actually hinders their ability to rotate efficiently.
In this session, we explore how softening the hip flexors and glutes can actually lead to more effective and sustainable external rotation. We begin with mobilization exercises designed to warm up the pelvis and release deep-seated tension. You will learn why internal rotation is a secret weapon for dancers; by counter-stretching the hip joints, we can release the front of the hip and prepare it for a deeper, more active turnout.
We will work through variations of the butterfly stretch, focusing on pressing down through the knees to engage the inner thighs and find symmetry between both sides of the body. A key highlight of this class is understanding the complex mechanics of fourth position. The instructor explains the unique feeling required for the back leg—balancing an open hip with an activated glute to maintain stability and a beautiful line.
You will also explore the happy baby pose, a restorative movement that provides a crucial release for the lower back and pelvis, allowing for greater freedom during your plié and tendu movements at the barre. Throughout this 16-minute session, the emphasis remains on control and mindful stretching. By focusing on the end range of your motion and learning when to relax versus when to engage, you will develop a more functional turnout that supports your technical growth.
Whether you are working on your pirouette or a simple dégagé, these exercises will help you achieve a cleaner line and better alignment in your daily practice. Have a belt or bathrobe tie and a pillow handy for comfort as we work toward healthier, more mobile hips together.
