Panic at the thought of that double pirouette? Fouettes? Please dont add that into the combination!
Say goodbye to unnecessary fears and HELLO to a new confidence with our top 5 tips on how to transform your turns.
1. Spotting
A helpful technique that aids movement and balance yet prevents dizziness during multiple pirouettes. Aesthetically pleasing, spotting enhances and polishes performance quality therefore spotting is key when turning. It gives the dancer more control essentially creating an axis point enabling direction of energy and momentum.
Look with intention and fix your gaze. Its often helpful when practicing spotting to find something to focus on - a mark on the wall for example. As you turn, the head should be the last to go around - but whip it around quickly and find that focus point ASAP!
Finally, good spotting reduces stress on the neck and spine which results in a lower chance of injury!
2. Engaged arms
Arms are totally underestimated when it comes to pirouettes. Sloppy, poorly placed arms can hinder your turn before you have even begun to initiate your pirouette. Whatever position you are starting in, ensure they are held strong and correctly. As you turn, take the arms with you. Whether it be first or fifth, whatever position your arms need to be in- get them there!! Lingering arms will send you off balance. Keep arms rounded, and closer to the body. When turning, ensure arms are held in from of the body. When in first, its tempting to turn with arms up high. Keep them at midline level - opposite your bellybutton is a great visual. Break down the movement slowly to ensure you are hitting those positions and your arms look good and strong.
3. Releves
Strong Releves are a key part of being able to achieve a great turn. Feet must be strong enough to sustain and maintain a full releve for the length of time it takes you to get round. Simple rises and releves at the barre are an effective way of strengthening the feet. Practice hitting that pirouette position at the barre in releve. If you can hold the balance, you'll most likely achieve the turn. Progress this to a half turn at the barre, then to a full. Dont be afraid to go back to basics. Basics are KEY to everything in Ballet and you can never do too many rise and releve exercises to keep your feet nice and strong. Its important to be able to hold a position before we can turn in it. The stronger the foot- the easier the turn!
4. A secure starting position.
Arms held? Feet turned out? Legs pulled up before that all important demi plie preperation? We all know the saying - 'Fail to prepare, then prepare to fail'. Well that applies here too. However your pirouette starts, ensuring your weight distribution is correct is important - your plie will help with this. Preparing for a turn with weight wrongly distributed will result in a 'not so perfect' turn. Although it is possible to alter this during the turn, its tricky and may look messy. A good foundation is a good start!
5. Do not over think! Whether you are just starting out with pirouettes or wanting to achieve multiple turns, just go for it. Practice makes perfect of course. Do not be disheartened if you do not achieve what you set out to do. Use the barre as an aid if need be, and consider the above tips.
Happy pirouetting!