What You'll Learn
- Identify why the 'weather vane effect' happens during balances.
- Understand the link between lost turnout and body twisting.
- Master the transition from two feet to a one-legged retiré.
- Improve foot placement and hip alignment for better stability.
About This Video
" If you have ever felt your body start to rotate or twist as soon as you lift one leg into a retiré position, you aren't alone. Many students assume that they simply have poor balance, but the root cause is often found elsewhere. In many cases, twisting during a retiré balance is actually a turnout and placement problem rather than a lack of core strength or equilibrium.
When you transition from a position on two feet—where your weight is evenly distributed and your turnout is supported by the floor—to a position on one foot, the mechanics of your alignment change significantly. As you lift your leg into retiré, the standing leg must work harder to maintain its outward rotation. If that rotation is lost, the hips often follow, causing the entire torso to "weather vane" or twist toward the standing side.
This disruption of your center makes it nearly impossible to hold a steady position. Understanding the relationship between your turnout and your retiré is the key to fixing this issue. You must ensure that your weight is correctly placed over the ball of the standing foot and that your pelvis remains square, even as you engage the external rotators of both legs.
By focusing on maintaining the integrity of your turnout during the transition, you can stop the twist before it starts. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the "why" behind ballet technique is essential for adult learners. This quick video lesson breaks down the specific moment the twist happens and offers actionable tips to help you find your vertical center.
Whether you are practicing at the barre or in the center, these technical insights will help you achieve the clean, stable retiré you’ve been working toward.
