How Do You Do a Soutenu Turn in Ballet?

Ballet

The soutenu turn is a classic ballet move that requires grace, skill, and perfect balance. It is a turning movement that begins with a plié, or bending of the knees, then transitions into a full turn.

The dancer will continue to turn as they rise to relevé, or standing on their toes. This move looks effortless when executed correctly, however it requires intense focus and concentration to pull off.

The first step in mastering the soutenu turn is to learn proper technique. This starts with understanding the three main body positions: the retiré position, the tendu position, and the arabesque position.

The retiré position is when the dancer’s feet are turned out in parallel fourth position with one foot slightly ahead of the other. The tendu position is when the dancer’s legs are straightened and extended outward while maintaining turnout at their hips. Finally, the arabesque position is when one leg is straightened behind them while maintaining turnout at their hips.

The soutenu turn begins with a plié in either first or fifth position with arms extended overhead and elbows slightly bent. As you begin to rise from your plié into relevé you will start to turn your hips in either direction as your arms remain in place over head. As you continue through your turn it is important to keep your body aligned from head to toe and stay on balance throughout the entire movement.

The footwork for this movement can be done in several ways depending on personal preference and style of dance being performed. During classical ballet performances, dancers often use what is called pas de chat footwork where they lift one foot behind them as they rise up on relevé while continuing their rotation while landing back onto both feet simultaneously after completing their turn. However, some dancers also like using pas de valse where they hop on one foot while turning on relevé before landing back onto two feet after completing their turn instead of using pas de chat footwork throughout the entire movement.

Once you have mastered all of these elements together it will be time to practice perfecting this classic ballet move by focusing on technique and alignment at every angle as you go through your full rotation multiple times before ending back in your original starting point in order to complete a successful soutenu turn!

In conclusion, mastering how to do a soutenu turn correctly requires understanding proper ballet technique for each individual element of this classic move such as understanding body positions used throughout this move as well as practicing correct alignment throughout each step of this movement for perfect balance before finally deciding which type of footwork works best for you during this rotation such as pas de chat or pas de valse footwork before landing back onto both feet after successfully completing each full rotation!