If you are a baton twirler, and you compete or take part in performances, adding pirouettes to your routine is a crowd pleaser. There is just something about watching someone execute multiple turns in a row flawlessly, and one of the biggest reasons why people enjoy seeing this so much is because it is hard! Here are things to keep in mind when you want to add pirouettes to your performance.

1. Strengthen Your Core: One of the most important aspects of executing a beautiful series of pirouettes is a strong core. A strong core provides the balance and strength needed to get your body to turn over and over again in a beautiful fashion. A strong core also allows your alignment to stay the correct way. So, do those stomach crunches!
2. Balance: If you do not know how to correctly balance your body, then you will never be able to accomplish pirouettes. Practice balancing the position you want to turn, such as a la seconde.
3. Learn How to Spot: If your eyes are on the ground, your body will follow. Always have a fixed place to look at in front of you, and that spot is the only place your eyes will focus on. Remember to whip your head around to quickly get your eyes back on that fixed spot.
4. Push the Right Way: A big part of not being able to turn is pushing off the ground too hard. By pushing too hard, it can throw the body off.
5. Ankle Strength: Just as your core must be strong to achieve a beautiful pirouette, your ankles must be strong, as well. Strong ankles help support the relevé. Sickled and weak ankles will always negatively affect turns, so incorporate ankle-strengthening exercises into your training.
6. Visualize: You know what the body has to do to turn beautifully, so visualize every part of your body doing what it needs to do.

If you would even more tips on becoming a better performer, please browse our blogs. And if you are in need of supplies for baton twirling, call us today at 931-528-7829.

Posted: 8/15/2016