Master Your Ballet Turnout: Hip Opening & Inner Thigh Strength Class

Turnout is the defining characteristic of classical ballet technique, but achieving a beautiful, functional turnout requires more than just forcing your feet into a line. It starts deep within the hip joint and involves a delicate balance of flexibility and strength. In this 15-minute focused session from Broche Ballet, we dive into the anatomical foundations of rotation, focusing on opening the hips and lengthening the inner thighs to allow for a freer range of motion.

This class is specifically designed to help adult dancers overcome common plateaus in their range of motion. We begin with foundational stretches and targeted inner thigh releases to prepare the body for deeper work. You will learn how to isolate the rotator muscles and maintain alignment while moving through key positions like coup-de-pied and passé.

By working on the floor, we remove the challenge of balance, allowing you to focus entirely on the sensation of rotation in the hip socket without compromising your posture or pelvic alignment. A unique aspect of this class is the inclusion of manual release work. We explore techniques for releasing the calves and quadriceps, as tension in these areas can often pull on the joints and hinder your turnout.

We also address the importance of achieving a high demi-pointe and how that affects your overall line. Throughout the exercises, we emphasize the importance of active engagement. It is not enough to simply be in a position; a dancer must actively work to sustain their turnout throughout the movement.

We practice holding the straight leg in a turned-out position and transitioning smoothly into a retired position. To get the most out of this session, have a belt or bathrobe tie handy for assisted stretching, and a pillow for comfort under the knees. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and build a stronger foundation.