The Anatomy of Turn-out

In class, you often hear me say that the degree of natural turnout in your hips depends on how your bones are built.  In this video, Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D. at the Ballet Science podcast, gives a wonderful explanation how your unique hip structure affects turnout, flexibility, and alignment.  She also explains why understanding your bone anatomy can help prevent injuries like hip impingement and labral tears.

Always remember:

• Your anatomy is unique to you, and just because you don't have perfect turn-out doesn't mean you can't dance beautifully.
• It's better to dance safely within your body's natural ability, than to risk injury by pushing your body beyond what it can safely accommodate.
• Modest, controlled, gracefully-performed movement is always beautiful.
• Appreciate your body for it's natural abilities, and work safely to expand those abilities, but never feel bad about your differences or natural limitations -- they're what make you a unique, special individual.