Turnout is a vital aspect of ballet dancing and one that does not always come naturally to dancers. The hip muscles primarily determine turnout, which refers to the angle and positioning of the dancer's foot while she is dancing. By stretching and continually exercising these muscles, ballet dancers can improve their turnout and thus enhance the quality of their dancing. Stretch the hip muscles by laying face down on the floor and pressing the soles of your feet together. Bend your knees out to the side and stretch out the muscles that control the ballet turnout.
Ballet dancers dance both on full toe and half-toe. Dancing on full pointe for long periods of time requires stamina and endurance, as it can become painful. Start with the shoe itself to ensure the safest and most comfortable dance experience possible. Pointe shoes fit differently than ballet slippers so consult a professional when purchasing to ensure the shoes fit properly. Layer a piece of wool or cloth over your toes while wearing the shoes, which serves as a buffer between your foot and the hard toe.
The way you prepare for a big move, such as a pirouette or a jete, is just as vital as the move itself. To strengthen the flashy ballet moves, monitor your form just before you perform the move. Watch yourself in the mirror, or have a teacher or classmate observe, to evaluate your posture, form and turnout just before you go into the move. By correcting your preparations, minor dance steps and transitions, you can enhance the overall quality of the ballet performance.
Attend a dance workshop or summer dance camp to immerse yourself in the ballet culture. Setting aside an entire block of time, such as a weekend or even a summer month, to focus on your dancing can help you make leaps in your technique and skills. Established ballet dancers usually teach ballet workshops. Participating in the workshops affords you the opportunity to work with master dancers and also learn from highly skilled students also attending the workshop.