3 Exercises to Help Strengthen & Maintain Turnout

Table Of Contents:

• Technique Tips: Guide For Increasing Turnout
• Exercises To Help Strengthen & Maintain Turnout
  • Exercise 1
  • Exercise 2
  • Exercise 3
• Additional Technique Tips
• Additional Resources

Technique Tips: Guide For Increasing Turnout

3 Exercises to Help Strengthen & Maintain Turnout

Finding correct placement and turnout is one of the most important things a young ballet dancer should learn. Proper rotation comes from the hips, using the glutes and inner thigh muscles. Complete the following exercises with the assistance of the wall or without, once able.  

Exercise 1

Rotate legs from the hips. Stretch right above the knee. Plie and open legs outwards. As you stretch, keep feet flexed and pull the pinkie toe towards the wall. Repeat for 2 sets of 8.

Exercise 2

Point

Start with legs parallel, legs and feet stretched.

Turnout

Rotate legs from the hip joints. Heels should face each other.

Flex

Maintaining turnout, flex feet and pull your pinkie toes towards the wall.

Together

Rotate legs back to parallel. Repeat for 2 sets of 8.

Exercise 3

Clam Shells

Lay against the wall with your back flat. Squeeze the knees together and raise your feet off the floor.

Open & Shut

Keeping the toes together, open your top knee towards the wall.

Repeat 16-32 times on each side or until you feel your glutes engage.

Additional Technique Tips

Looking for more ballet tips? View the following informative articles: 

• Pre-Pointe Exercises for Stronger Feet and Ankles
• How to make the perfect ballet bun
• Summer Weekly Fitness Routine by Cavod Theatre’s Artistic Director Monica DePaul

Additional Resources

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Learn About Cavod’s Various Dance Companies

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