Can I learn ballet turnout correctly without a teacher?
It can be dangerous to learn ballet turnout standing without a teacher, because it’s easy to overturn the knees or feet and that can do real damage. You could do frogs – sitting on the floor, bend your knees and draw your feet up so the soles are touching, then grab your toes and pull them up gently so your knees fall outwards. Another good one for when you have a book to read – lie down on the floor close to a wall, with your knees hugged to your chest. Wriggle your butt until it’s right up against the wall. Now straighten your legs against the wall, and let them fall outwards until you’re in a wide side split. Stay here as long as you like (that’s why I mention the book!) and let gravity pull your legs wider apart. Do lots of releves (standing on both feet, rise s-l-o-w-l-y on to demi-pointe, hold it for a few seconds, then come down s-l-o-w-l-y. That’s the best exercise to strengthen your feet and is a preparation for pointe work.
