No Momentum from 5th

[sallydancer035]

So I am a relatively good turner - from fourth position that is. But when I try to turn from fifth position, I can't get enough momentum. I also feel like I'm just pushing myself off balance when I push off for the turn. My en dehors are not as bad as my en dedan turns, but they are all still not of a very good standard. How can I fix this?

[gcwhitewater]

Coordination of the various movements is really important when turning from any position. You say you are "pushing myself off balance"...be sure to push equally off of both feet and realize one side of the body is going backward BUT the other side must be coming forward at the same time. If you think of the 'trailing side' (left side on a pirouette turning to the right) pushing you around instead of being pulled by the 'leading side' it will help as well.

[sallydancer035]

Thank you so much, I will try this in class!