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How to Do a Chainé Turn in Ballet

A chainé turn is the most basic turn used in ballet. Although it is technically a ballet turn, a chainé turn can be applied to a variety of other dance styles, from contemporary to jazz to even tap. Mastering a chainé turn will help you form a strong basis for other, more complicated dance moves and turns. Although the exact arm and head movements may vary based upon choreography, knowing the basics enables you to meet any challenge a choreographer presents.

Things You'll Need

  • Dance shoes
  • Mirror
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand facing the mirror at the left side of the room, with your left foot flat on the ground and slightly turned out and your right foot pointed forward in front of you. Your left arm is extended to the left, and your right is rounded toward your chest in front of you.

    • 2

      Lift your left foot to relevé, simultaneously stepping your pointed right foot to the right side. When the right foot is planted, it is also on relevé.

    • 3

      Close your arms so they are both rounded in front of your chest, with your fingertips almost touching. Lift your left foot off the ground, and step to the right with your right foot. Turn on your right foot to face the back of the room.

    • 4

      Keep your weight on your left foot and push off with your right to turn on your left foot to face the front. You are always turning your head toward your right shoulder when you're moving to the right.

    • 5

      Open your arms when you reach the front so they are both extended at shoulder level. Step out to the right with your right foot and repeat the steps to continue turning across the floor.

Ballet

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