Holding balance en pointe

[appleblossom]

In the ballet we are currently learning, we do a detourney (? spelling) then have to hold on 5th releve for several counts while the other group does their move.

 

Im struggling a little to stop my turn from spinning too far, and then to maintain a tightly masked 5th and hold it there without little steps and wobbles to keep my balance. Our arms are in what i'd call a spanish 4th (right arm high holding a fan)

 

Any suggestions on how to stop overturning en pointe?

 

Thanks

[Victoria Leigh]

A détourné is just a relevé around the corner. It takes no force at all. If you add pirouette force to it, that would make it very hard to stop on balance. It's not even a full turn, generally going only 3/4 around, like from croisé with right foot front, turn in the direction of the back foot and end croisé left foot front.

[dancepig]

A détourné is just a relevé around the corner. It takes no force at all. If you add pirouette force to it, that would make it very hard to stop on balance. It's not even a full turn, generally going only 3/4 around, like from croisé with right foot front, turn in the direction of the back foot and end croisé left foot front.

 

Ms. Leigh put this into words beautifully (thank you for that), one thing you might keep in mind is to keep your core very tight and solid to hold your position after your turn. One other thing to keep in mind is - after your turn - imagine yourself growing and continuing to stretch straight up to the ceiling. I find this picture to help me hold my balance in any position.

[Myfairlady]

Also, you really have to engage your inner thigh and glute muscles.

[lampwick]

On stage you could bouree a bit with your feet. The audience won't notice if the feet make adjustments to maintain balance, but an entire body off balance and/or off direction will be noticable.

 

Sqeeze those inner thighs together:)

[undertutu]

To balance in sousou, I think of being taller from 'behind my ears'. It makes all my muscles pull up without having to think of each set (like inner thighs, front of thighs, core, shoulders down, etc). I tried it just today in pointe class and I balanced where I usually wobble. Try It!

[Guest kacy]

all great replies...

 

I'm going to relevé around the corner and get taller from behind my ears tomorrow!! I sat up straighter just thinking about that behind the ears thing, undertutu - thanks!

k

[appleblossom]

We start the detourne from a lunge. (does that mean its not a detourne?)...