Turns!

Hey guys!

Over the last year or so I've really focused on my turns and pirouettes, and they've improved dramatically! Here are my 3 top tips for general turns...

#1 SPOT SPOT SPOT

I can't tell you enough how important spotting is when turning! For years I tried everything to make my pirouettes better, and once I started spotting it all made sense! As you turn, leave your head behind, keeping your eyes on a spot on the wall until you can't leave it there any more and then whip your head round to find your spot again. Focus on whipping your head and spot as fast as possible... This will help keep your balance and prevent dizziness!

#2 use those abs!

As well as spotting, you also need to engage your core to keep upright when turning. Do lots of exercises to build up core strength, such as crunches. As you prepare for your turn, engage your stomach muscles and these will support you as you turn!

#3 arms...

As someone with crazy long arms, I have found it really difficult controlling my arms while turning (especially in fouetté or a la seconde turns!). As you prepare for your turn, feel yourself tense your upper arm muscles. Then as you turn ( a conventional pirouette), keep these muscles rigid and focus on getting them in a round circle with fingertips just touching. This will not only give you more momentum but help your balance!

Hope these help- I will be posting more tips on fouetté and a la seconde turns soon so watch this space!

Box splits (+my favourite stretch ever)

Hey everyone! I hope you're having a lovely summer ❤️❤️

As someone who doesn't have naturally flat box splits, I wanted to share with you my favourite stretch which will help your box splits dramatically... So I first learnt this stretch at an ALDC Masterclass I attended last summer, and I've basically done it every day since!

Stand with your feet in a wide second position

Bend your knees and place your hands on your thighs- for the best stretch try and get a right angle between your shin and the floor and then a right angle between your shin and your thigh

 With your hand and arms, try and push your thighs apart as far as you can

One you get really good at this, you can use your elbows instead of hands, pushing your inner thighs out while trying to tuck your bum under into a more traditional ballet plié.

You can do lots of variations of this, including lunges from side to side using your elbow to push your leg out!

Do this everyday and your box splits should get much better!

Atlanta :)