How to Complete a Perfect Turn in Jazz Class
Tips for Strong, Fast, Stable and Technically Correct Pirouettes
May 19, 2009
In order to complete multiple turns in jazz class, you need to be able to complete a single perfect turn. Following are some tips to help you improve your pirouettes.
As with any tips, these are not set in stone, and you may find that there are other techniques that help you to improve your turns. Try the following exercises to see how they can add strength, speed and stability to your turning.
- Spotting. Spotting is a whipping movement of the head while you are completing a turn. Start by focusing on an object in front of you, a picture on the wall, or your reflection in the mirror. While standing straight with your feet together in parallel, take very small steps around in a circle and try to keep your focus on that object. As you turn toward the back and cannot hold your head in that position any more, whip your head around as fast as possible to again look at the object you are spotting. Try this spotting technique while performing a pirouette, as slowly as possible. The faster you can whip your head around and spot, the more rotations you will be able to do in your turns.
- Plie when you prep. In order to go up into a turn, you must start from a “down” position. A plie in the preparation position will help you to achieve a high releve in your turn. Be sure to keep your body straight in your plie as well; do not lean to one side or the other, and do not twist your body like a corkscrew in order to unwind in the turn. This will unbalance you as soon as you start to pirouette.
- Strong Core Stability. You must maintain a strong core throughout a turn. Your core muscles are in your center, your abs and back. To strengthen your core, lie on your back and lift both legs straight up with your feet pointed to the ceiling. Lift your shoulders off the floor and reach with straight arms to the front, on either side of your legs. Pulse slowly eight times, and relax your shoulders to the floor. Repeat the exercise with 16 fast pulses. When you are turning in jazz, you will need to “engage” your core muscles (tighten them), tuck in your backside so your back is straight, and round your arms in front of you with lowered shoulders. If you are not engaged through your core, you will have problems balancing.
- Get into your turn quickly. Make the transition from plie to releve and turn quickly. Your releve must be high immediately, or you will risk falling to the side. To help you practice this, stand at the barre with your feet in parallel first position. Plie, then releve quickly in parallel first. Repeat this with a releve on one leg with the other foot in passé on your knee. Also practice at the barre with your pirouette prep position into a quick releve.
- Stretch your knees and feet. Think about drilling a hole in the ground with your stretched standing leg. When your foot is in passe, make sure it is pointed. Stretched, straightened legs will also help with your balance. Make sure there is a straight line between your standing foot and your head, lifting up while pushing down into the floor. Remember to practice your turns on both sides so that one side is not weaker than the other.
The copyright of the article How to Complete a Perfect Turn in Jazz Class in Jazz Dance is owned by Terry Finch. Permission to republish How to Complete a Perfect Turn in Jazz Class in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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