So you're rocking your new solo in rehearsal...executing each leap, reach and roll flawlessly. BUT...you know the piece isn't over until you get through the tricky turning sequence at the end. Nailing a turning sequence can be challenging!
We asked turning queen Isabella Bruno what tips she would give fellow dancers for improving their turns. Check out Isabella's helpful advice below:
STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE.
First and most important is to have a strong core. To strengthen my core I do a lot of abdominal work that includes crunches, planks and lower abdominal strengthening by laying on my back and doing leg lifts up and down. I also do Pilates 3 times a week!
CHECK YOUR BODY PLACEMENT.
Having great posture in everyday life trains me to turn better. If you don't stand upright on a regular basis, you are not going to have great placement when you turn. I thank my Mom for always instilling good posture in me at a young age. No sway back or hunch shoulders! This is something you can acquire by simply paying attention to how you stand, walk, or sit. Once you are mindful of your posture and make an effort to stand tall, you will start to achieve good posture.
USE YOUR ARMS AND BACK.
Once you have good posture, using your arms and back will come natural. It’s all about your placement. Having a good port de bras is essential in achieving great turns. You can strengthen your core, arms and back with lots of ballet.
HAVING A STRONG AND FAST SPOT.
This is also very important. You need a strong accurate spot to help you get around. I have turned along side many dancers who have great placement but their spot is too slow for their turn. A delayed spot slows down their momentum and prevents them from getting around. You need to keep your spot in time with your turn. Whether you are turning fast or slow your spot needs to keep up with your body.
LOTS OF PRACTICE.
Finally, the only way to perfect your turning ability is to practice over and over. Start out small and then increase the amount of turns over time. If you don’t have a solid single or a double, you certainly won’t have that triple. Once you have perfected a single move on to a double and so on and so on.
Hope you enjoyed these tips and I wish you well on achieving your turning goals!!
-JJGirl Isabella