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Ballet, I like to describe as the dance of opposites. Arms up, shoulders down; upper body lifting up, lower body planted firm downwards. Also, there is "turn-out" which refers to the angle degree of your feet. When standing with feet in first position, as seen in photo to the right, there should ideally be a perfect 180 degree angle - your toes as well as calves and knees should be facing straight to the right or left, away from eachother. This turnout takes years and a lot of practice to achieve, and requires a lot more strength,
flexibility and stability than one would think! When you are standing turned out in first position, you should NOT feel a pull in your knees - this will cause you to "roll." Your feet should not be pointing more outwards than your knees are, they should be perfectly aligned.
The most difficult part of turn-out is that you must maintain it while dancing. In pirouettes, changements and arabesques you will notice that
ballerinas keep that their knees and feet facing perfectly to the sides. The later you begin ballet, the harder it is to achieve perfect turn out, which is why I have difficulty. The best way to strengthen is through barre work. And remember, when you're turned out to use your ab muscles and thigh muscles - they play a large role in allowing your knees and hips to be perfectly aligned with your feet.
