Pirouette preparation

I am finally getting back into regular ballet practice after a long break. It’s about time! I’m starting again to test the limits of what my body can do. Now that I have more space to move, I’ve been very much into pirouette practice. At this point, it’s all a bit wobbly, but this is a process! Here are a few tweaks that seem to lead to better results.

1. Look Inwards

I notice an improvement when I stop looking outwards at the world around me and focus on how my body feels while doing the steps. It seems as though I already know what to do, but I don’t realize that once I’m concentrating on the world around me.

2. Stretch upwards

It seems to help when I lengthen my body. I’m not sure why this is. Maybe it just makes the body more compact and straight, leading to better balance.

3. Lower your arms

I have a bad habit of holding my arms up high in first position. I’ve noticed that this does not help my balance. I believe it raises my center of gravity making me topple more easily.

These are all my thoughts for the moment on what works to strengthen my pirouette position. I am sure to uncover more tips and techniques with practice so there will surely be more to come on this topic. Stay tuned!