Ballet help?

Question

I am starting ballet in the fall and I need all the help I can get. On a turnout, if you can do the chinese splits, does that make them a little better? I'm not sure what a could turnout should be, but when I do the first position, i can have my feet the right way and nothing hurts. Also, any things you think I might need, like what I should wear and things to do to make sure I don't damage anything. Web site links are great, also. Thanks!

Answer 1

Being able to do splits won't help with your turnout, it'll help make different extensions easier though, so keep working on them. Ron de jambes when done properly help to strengthen your turnout. The more you use your turnout properly, the stronger it'll be and the more it'll increase. In order to not injure yourself, make sure you initiate your turnout from the top of your legs in your hip joint. You can feel how your using the muscle when you are in passe and you use the muscle to turn your passe out to the side more.

As to what you should wear, black leotards and pink tights are the standard for ballet, but some places allow dark colored leotards as well. It is recommended that you get a spaghetti strap leo that shows your back so your teacher can see how you use all of your muscles. Most schools have a specific leotard as the uniform, so this is just a suggestion before your first class if your school did not express a requirement.

Look around dance.net, under the ballet category, they have lots of pics and articles/discussions that may benefit you.

Good luck and word hard!

Answer 2

Your Ballet Teacher Will Help You With Your Turnout Just ask And Dont Be Afraid To Ask Questions About It. Your Dance Teacher Will Be Able To Tell Where Your Body Needs Your Turnout To Be. =]