Extension to the side.

[companymem07-08]

Okay, so I've have learned how to do extension to the side in two different ways. One is exactly to the side, and the other is a little bit more front. I was just wondering which way it was.

 

Sorry, I'm am not fabulous at explaining/defining.

[Victoria Leigh]

Exactly to the side would be fine, IF you have the rotation to do that and maintain your alignment and rotation of both legs. If not, then having the extended leg a very slight bit forward is acceptable in most methodology, except for Vaganova. The alignment and the line of the leg are more important than a perfect degree. The audience doesn't measure where your leg is. They see if it has the right look, or line, and that would mean, at least to me, that it must be turned out. If you can turn it out without any distortion or loss of placement in the rest of the body, fine. If not, then move it a couple of degrees forward. But of course always keep working to get it as close to that actual side position as you can.

[Grishkorina]

Miss Leigh, I'm just curious about what you mentioned about Vaganova. In that style, does the leg go directly side even if you don't have the rotation?

[Victoria Leigh]

That is my understanding, that at least it is supposed to.

[vrsfanatic]

Yes, the Vaganova system of teaching regards side as a direction separate from turn out. With consistant training and good teaching the understanding of turn out will develop over time.

[companymem07-08]

Yeah, actually turnout is one of my stronger points and rotation. I have flexible hips which is sometimes good and sometimes bad, because my hip goes up sometimes when I do extension to the side. But thanks for clearing that up for me!

[Victoria Leigh]

The hip won't go up if you are doing them correctly and maintaining your alignment!