Monday, June 13, 2011

Perfect Pirouettes



Pirouettes - they are SO hard, don't you agree?
Whilst doing a pirouette, there are heaps of things to think about. Here are a few tips to help you do a perfect single/double or even triple pirouette.


1) Relax! I know, it's really scary, but if you just relax and think positively, it will be much easier, trust me. It sounds really lame, right? Well, just try it. Relax your breathing and think positively.


2) For most pirouette exercises, they count 1, 2, 3, 4. On the 1, you pointe to the side, The 2 and 3 you close to second and then pointe derriere, on the 4 you, you lunge. However, my teacher told me not to lunge on the beginning of the count of, four, but on the very end of it. This way you are only touching your foot behind you, then you are straight away up and ready to go. It really works!


3) Don't over throw your arms. Keep them in a normal third, don't put them too far behind you. After all, then are not your major turning point, they just help you to get around.


4) Think of a pirouette as a releve that just happens to turn. I know it's just a mental point, but it really helps.


5) Keep your let up! It's probably the hardest thing about pirouettes. You just have to keep that leg UP! Even if you come off demi pointe/pointe, and are just turning on flat feet, keep the other let UP UP UP!!!


6) If you are only doing a single pirouette, then you obviously don't need as much force as if you were doing a triple pirouette. If you use too much force, then you are likely to overbalance at the end, and fall over. However, if you are doing a triple pirouette, you are going to need more force to get you around than if you were doing just a single one. If you use little force, then you are only going to do a single or double pirouette.


7) Last but not least: the ground isn't actually that far away. I know, it's a really scary thought if you fall over, but you are not going to die, and it would be very unlikely to break a bone. Keep this thought in the back of your mind. Don't worry, if you fall over, it's not the end of the world!


I hope some of these tips can be of some help you you. Chat sooooon :)

12 comments:

Lauren said...

YAY IZI! I DID IT!!!

Well... Almost, kinda, nearly, mabye did someting that sorta came close to some sort of resembelence ):

Anyway, I don't really think I was built for ballet.

Loved the post, It was really cool how you can explain it like you were really a ballet teacher in the room watching you.

Izi said...

Hi Lauren,

Awwww, thanks for trying. I guarantee you. Practice for ten minutes every day, and seven days later you should be able to do an almost perfect single pirrouette from fourth position! Try it. If you do, and if you can do it properly in a week, I'll write about you on my blog!

Tell me about your holiday! I am really longling to hear all about it. I got your e-mail too, by the way. Check your e-mail now, I just sent a reply!

Izi :)

Heidi-Mari said...

Hi Izi
Thanks for the tips! I really struggle with pirouettes!
My singles aren’t bad, but I just can’t get the double!!
I seem to loss my balance after the first turn and then can’t make the second! You see, I was doing fine and then I once I fell...........it was pretty embarrassing for one thing and then I was scared! I didn’t want to do double for a wile and when I did start again I had to start all over! I also found that when I relax it’s a bit easer! I keep thinking my shoes are to slippery. (I don’t have very good balance though!) I also only do ballet twice a week and not every day. I also turn my leg in when doing a double from a forth position!
But I will keep trying! Thank you again for the tips, will try it!
Have a blessed day
Heidi-Mari

Izi said...

Hi Heidi-Mari,

So nice to hear from you. WOW, it must have been so scary to fall over. Did you hurt yourself much? Yeah, I would be really nervous to do a pirrouette after falling off one.

Ok, try the tips, and just keep practicing, at ballet and at home. What grade are you in?

The worst thing is to have shoes that you can not totally trust. If you feel that your shoes are too slippery, or you just don't feel comfortable in them, change them straight away. Seriously. A dancer must have complete confidence in his/her shoes!

Thanks for asking, and for your commment. I am happy to answer ANYTHING regarding dance!

Izi :)

Heidi-Mari said...

Thanks Izi!
I didn’t really hurt myself much, just a little.
I started with intermediate the beginning of this year! And I’m able to go on point soon! My teacher says as soon as our feet are out grown. I think mine are but the other girls in my class don’t know yet. So we’ll see!
I’ll try the tips!
Hugs
Heidi

Izi said...

Hello Heidi-Mari,

Wow, intermediate, hey? It's a tough one, I must admit. But if you work hard, you'll get good marks.

Pointe is fun too, but hard. My advice to you is to get pointe shoes with a bigger 'pointe,' if you know what I mean.

Izi :)

Anonymous said...

I never thought I would agree with this option.

Anonymous said...

It is very helpful!

Anonymous said...

Really good post!

Izi said...

Hi Anonymous,

Thanks for reading my post and commenting. I'm glad that you agree with this way of doing pirrouettes (although, I think it's the only way of doing pirrouettes, to be honest) and that you think this post is good.

Thank You, again.

Izi :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Izi,
Gracias! I am so grateful to you! I have struggling with my doubles for 3 months now and so this is a blessing to me to find your blog. I'll be reading this blog again!
Hasta Manana!

Anonymous said...

Dear Izi,
We have been reading your blog and we are currently offering a position for you at Ballet West when you graduate from school. Call us at 801-768-5323 if you are interested. Thanks.
Dave Mahoney