How to Turn Out in Neoclassical Ballet

Classical ballet is all about the point in your toes, lifted arms, positioning of the head and the turn out of the legs. In classical ballet your legs are almost always turned out. When your legs are turned out and toes are pointed it creates an illusion of your legs being longer, therefore, more graceful. Here's how to properly do a turn out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with your feet parallel to each other in a normal stance. Notice your knees are pointing straight forward.

2. Point one foot forward. Starting at the hips, rotate the leg that is pointed out so that your knee is now pointing to the side. Your bottom should be tucked in and squeezed together for maximum turn out.

3. Turn out both legs by standing in first position, heels together and toes pointed out to side. Point one foot to any direction keeping your hip rotated out as much as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember turn out starts at the hips, then your knees and finally your foot. Open your hips up by squeezing your gluts together. They should be so tight that you can hold a coin in between them.
• Proper stretching of your hamstrings and hip flexors before you begin is important so that you don't pull or tear any muscles.
• Some people's hips don't have a wide range of motion. If when standing in first position your knees won't align with your toes, bring your toes in so you're not rolling over your ankles. This causes stress on the knees which can lead to injury.