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How to Do Turns in Jazz Dancing

To turn in dancing is to whirl or spin the body around on 1 foot in a controlled motion. Turns in ballet, tap or jazz are similar, except the legs are typically pointed forward in jazz movements instead of turned out like in ballet. The steps below describe a couple of different beginning jazz turns.

Instructions

  1. Pencil Turn

    • 1

      Stand in jazz first position, which is your feet together and arms rounded out in front.

    • 2

      Plie slightly, push off and releve on 1 foot.

    • 3

      Turn with a straight leg as you push off. Flex the non-turning foot and keep the leg straight. Turn inward toward the turning leg or outward with the non-turning leg.

    • 4

      Spot your turn and land in the same direction as you started.

    Pirouette

    • 5

      Prepare for the turn with either a kick-ball-change or tendu to the side then bring your foot to the back. Kick-ball-change is just like it says, kick 1 foot out, take a small step on the ball of your foot then change your weight to the other foot.

    • 6

      Plie the leg you're turning on. Push off with the back leg and rise to releve. The other leg will come up to passe, meaning the foot will come up to the working leg's knee.

    • 7

      Move your arms from rounded out in front of you to 1 arm straight out in front and the other straight out to the side. Bring your arms close into the body as you turn.

    • 8

      Turn your body as you push off from the back. Keep your stomach pulled in, stand tall, shoulders down and spot your head.

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Jazz Dance

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