Arts >> Dance >> Ballet

How to Do a Turn in Ballet

Turns are a staple element of a ballet dance. The basic ballet turn that is typically taught initially in dance classes is called a "chaine turn." This turn is often used in dances and forms the basic foundation for many other ballet turns. While the turns are simple in nature, correct form can be a challenge to maintain. Balance can also be an issue for beginner dancers when turning. Consistently correct form will make the turns look effortless.

Things You'll Need

  • Ballet slippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand with feel shoulder width apart, your knees straight and your arms at your sides.

    • 2

      Lift to "relevé," which means lifting your heels off the floor and balancing on the balls of your feet. Stretch through the arch of the feet to extend your legs and feet fully.

    • 3

      Open your arms to extend straight out through the shoulders, reaching through your fingertips. Keep your shoulders down and back, your chin up, chest out and legs straight.

    • 4

      Pick something on the wall to your right, following the direction of your outstretched right fingers, to spot as you turn. Spotting involves continuously looking at the same object or marking as you turn, whipping your head around to find it as you spiral. This helps to keep your body traveling in a straight line and aids you in maintaining your balance.

    • 5

      Lift your right foot off the floor slightly, pointing your toe to ground and keeping your leg straight. Step out to the right onto the raised foot, shifting your weight onto it.

    • 6

      Pivot on the right foot, swinging your left foot around and planting it beside the right, maintaining shoulder length distance between your feet. You will be facing the back wall as you plant the left foot onto the ground.

    • 7

      Close your arms in a rounded circle in front of your torso as you turn around.

    • 8

      Pivot on your left foot, swinging the right foot around, to face the front. Whip your head around to find your spotting point as you turn. The turning motion is fluid and there should be no pause or break as you face the front or back.

    • 9

      Open your arms to the outstretched position as you reach the front.

    • 10

      Step out to the right with the right foot again as soon as you reach the front, pivoting on the foot to turn to the back, then pivoting on the left to again reach the front. Continue the steps across the room, maintaining your form, posture and spotting as you do so.

Ballet

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