Hot Ballet How-Tos

How To: Do a barrel turn

You will get a look at how to successfully perform a barrel turn. You will see a walkthrough as to which techniques to use to complete this move. You will also see just what kind of shape you will create while in the air as Brianna demonstrates the technique on the floor.

How To: Complete a front walkover for cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics

A front walkover is like the advanced version of a cartwheel. While the move may look easy, it's actually much more difficult and requires more balance than a cartwheel.

How To: Use a wall to do split stretches

In this tutorial, we learn how to use a wall to do split stretches. Start out against a wall that has nothing around it so you can easily stretch with it. After this, face the wall and then lay on your back. Bring your legs up to the wall, then bring them out to the sides as far as you can for around 30 seconds. If someone else is with you, you can have them push on the inside of your legs to create a greater stretching effect. After this, flip onto your stomach, then slide down onto the legs...

How To: Do a changing spot combo in ballet

In this video, we learn how to do a changing spot combination. Start off by standing in front of the mirror with your right foot in front of your left. After this, do four open turns. On the fifth turn, do a quarter turn to the right, opening the entire body to the right side. Then, open up your entire body and rotate around until you get to the front. At the end, pull the move in to a pirouette and end up in the front of the mirror again. With practice, you can master this spot combo, just k...

How To: Perform a pitch kick

In this video, we learn how to perform a pitch kick. First, take two steps forward starting on the right leg. Then, do a deep plea and bring the leg up, then open and extend forward. Press up into releva and turn the left arm into the floor. Do this in slow counts at first, then practice doing all the counts in one fluid movement. Do this in front of a mirror so you can see how your body is placed and what you need to improve on. If you mess up, don't worry and just try it again until you hav...

How To: Perform an attitude turn

In this video, we learn how to perform an attitude turn. First, step forward on the right foot, then cross over with the left foot. Then, lunge into the right leg with the arms open in second position. Do a deep plea and press up with the left leg into attitude. Reach your left knee back to your right shoulder to have the proper placement. Do this in front of a large mirror so you can see your body placement in the mirror, and use counts so you know when to do each movement. The counts should...

How To: Perform a beginner turn combo in ballet

In this video, we learn how to perform a beginner turn combo. Start with a channey then turn on relevea, then turn right and left into a preparation. Do one pirouette to the right, then up and relevea. Plea, then go into another pirouette while changing your arms up above your head. Practice these moves by themselves, then when you have them individually down try doing them together. You may want to practice this in front of a large mirror to see if you have the correct body movements down. W...

How To: Spot a dancer in ballet as a beginner

In this video, we learn how to spot as a beginner. Spotting is used for when you are doing turns quickly. You want to keep your eye on the same exact spot in the room so you turn in the same exact way each time, and you don't lose your focus. To practice this, stand in front of a large mirror and practice doing turns slowly, without losing your focus from the spot you're looking at. After you have mastered this, start to do turns quicker, then with using your arms to help you turn. Eventually...

How To: Do the Switch Firebird leap in ballet

In this video, we learn how to do the switch firebird. Start with a chasse on the left foot, taking three steps. From there, take one more step with the right foot, then brush the left foot forward. Take a nice big plea in the right leg, then brush it back and jump off the ground jumping into attitude and hitting the top of the head. Get as high as you can turned out. Use the plea to help you jump off the ground. Practice these in individual counts, then practice in one fluid movement in fron...

How To: Do an Arabesque in ballet

In this video, we learn how to do an arabesque. First, step on the right foot stepping from the right leg, then stand flat. As soon as the left leg leaves the ground, the toe points and the leg straightens. You will lift the back leg as high as you can before the chest moves forward. Make sure the back leg stays turned out and the arm doesn't go over the head in the air. You should not see the leg next to your hips, it should be right behind you. Doing this in front of a mirror will work best...

How To: Perform a basic pirouette

In this video, we learn how to perform a basic pirouette. First, start in fifth position with the right foot in front. After this, push the foot out to second position while opening the arms. Next, step the right foot into fourth position with both feet turned out and both heels on the ground. Next, lift the right leg into a turned out circle, while turning out the knee. To land with the left, cross the right leg behind. The last part is to do the actual rotation, spotting the head to get the...

How To: Perform an intermediate turn combo in ballet

In this video, we learn how to perform an intermediate turn combo. Start a preparation, then start to turn on eight count. Open up into second position on one, then plea on two. Open the arms high on the third count, then plea on four. Open in second position on five, then double pirouette and turn in. After this, for the eighth count you will land out with arms to the side slightly raised. Practice doing these movements individually, then when you feel comfortable, start to do them in one fl...

How To: Perform a turning open second leap

In this tutorial, we learn how to perform a turning open second leap. Start with a high shinnay on one and two, then a low shinnay on three and four. Stop with the right leg and ninety degrees to the left corner, then do a deep plea. Push off with your left foot and then take the right leg to the other corner. Hit and open second jump after this, making sure the left and right leg match each other. Rolling out of the jump, tuck the left leg and go to the front, then step up. When finished, yo...

How To: Perform the 6 o'clock in ballet

In order to perform a perfect six o'clock, you will need to, first, begin by increasing your strength and flexibility. Partner stretches may be beneficial to you, in order to increase your flexibility. This will be of additional benefit to you, if you've pushed yourself as far as you can go alone in individual stretches. When you are adequately limber, begin by stepping forward with one leg. Turn out and engage the front leg, as you transfer your weight to it. When the foot is planted, swing ...

How To: Do changing spot combo pirouettes

In this tutorial, we learn how to do changing spot combo pirouettes. First, prepare for the turn facing the front left corner. Do a triple pirouette, then forte the leg around and change your spot to the right front corner. After this, land behind. Do this in counts of eight, then plea and land. This may be difficult to understand at first, if you have no experience doing dance moves. Just keep practicing, and pretty soon you will have these moves down! Changing spots is an easy move to get d...

How To: Do a grand pirouette combo

For a grand pirouette combination, you will need to begin in first position. Step forward with your left leg. This is your supporting leg. It will need to be bent and in plie'. Your arms should be outstretched from your shoulders. Extend your right leg. The knee should remain bent. Your left heel will be used to guide and engage your turns. Swing your right leg back and spin. Bring your arms in as you turn. You should be bobbing up and down on your heel, as you turn.

How To: Practice beginning floor, barre, & centre ballet

In this tutorial, we learn how to practice beginning floor, barre, & centre ballet. First, you will need to learn the five basic stands that you will have in ballet. Practice doing each of these until you have them down completely. Pointing and flexing your toes is extremely important, and remember to stand up straight. Make sure you also make good use of your turn out by rotating your legs out and in. Doing bar exercises will help your posture and help you learn how to bend correctly from yo...

How To: Tie ballet slippers

In this tutorial, we learn how to tie ballet slippers. First, flatted the back heel of the shoe. Next, sew the sew from the inside so the elastic isn't sticking out. Then, take the drawstring and pull the shoes on so they fit snugly. Be careful not to pull it to tight. Then, tuck the string back into the shoe, don't tie it into a bow. Even if your foot grows, you can loosen the shoe up. If you have a point shoe, it also has elastic that get attached to the back. You will place ribbon into the...

How To: Tie your pointe shoes

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tie pointe shoes in ballet. Begin by putting on the shoe and tie the small lace. Then cut off most of the excess of the small lace (about 1 1/2 inches) and tuck it inside the shoe. Now wrap the inside ribbon of the shoe one time around the ankle and tuck it back. Do the same with the other ribbon, except do it the opposite way and then tie the ribbon together. Now cut off the excess ribbon and tuck it in. This video will benefit those viewers who a...

How To: Tie the Ribbon on Pointe Shoes

In these video tutorials, viewers learn how to tie the ribbon on ballet shoes. Make sure that the elastic and ribbon are adequately secured on the shoe. Begin by flexing your foot. Take the inside ribbon and loop it across the top of your foot. The outer side ribbon will go over the inner ribbon. Pull the ribbons tight enough so there is no gaping or sagging. Then, wrap the ribbons around the ankle and tie them together. Now, tuck the tie under the flat part of the ribbon. These videos will b...

How To: Develop your ballet turn-out

In order to develop ballet turnout, it is important that you remember that relaxation is the key. Your hip joint must be loose and relaxed at all times, since all movement is done based on turnout.

How To: Improve your flexibility with leg extensions for dance

With any form of dance, flexibility is key to making sure you don't pull any kind of muscles. There are various ways to help improve your flexibility, and this tutorial will help show you one.

How To: Perform fouettes, ballet turns and leg grabs in ballet

This is a great tutorial for beginner ballerinas. If you need some help with your turns, check out this video. In it, you will learn how to do multiple turns in ballet and look absolutely beautiful doing so. These turns are graceful and essential to most types of dance and with some practice, you will be able to do them.

How To: Do the oversplit stretch in dance and get flexible

We all know that dancers have to be flexible, but did you know they have to work at it like everyone else? If you would like to increase your flexibility like a ballerina, check out this tutorial. In it, you will learn how to improve your split - this is best suited for someone who can already do a floor split - so that your legs become more and more limber. Follow along with this video for tips and advice on how to keep that stretch going and feel it throughout your whole body, one muscle at...

How To: Perform easy dance steps for kids

Learn a few easy dance steps to teach young aspiring ballerinas including the tombe, pas de bourree, pirouettes and releves. In this video, choreograph a simple ballet routine for children with help from an expert: Nene Ortega is a ballroom dance instructor at The Goddess Store in Hollywood, Florida. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Do ballet barre routines

Learn an effective ballet routine to practice your ballet. Easy dance routines are those done at the barre in each of the five positions, and they can include plies, grande plies, tondues and releves. In this video, learn how to choreograph a simple dance routine with help from an expert: Nene Ortega is a ballroom dance instructor at The Goddess Store in Hollywood, Florida. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Clean canvas ballet shoes

All ballet shoes eventually get dirty. In this video, learn from one expert how canvas ballet shoes can be cleaned using calamine lotion that is dabbed onto the surface until stains are removed. Keep ballet shoes looking like new with this video conducted by an expert: Nene Ortega is a ballroom dance instructor at The Goddess Store in Hollywood, Florida. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Sew ballet shoes

Every new pair of ballet shoes needs their elastics sewn on to fit the individual personally. In this video, learn a few tips on sewing in the elastic and satin ribbons with help from a ballet expert: Lynda DeChane-Audette is the founding artistic director of the South Florida Ballet Theater and was born in Boston. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Do the side glide or "glissade" ballet dance step

Learn how to do a glissade with help from this free ballet lesson. Sometimes known as a side glide, this is a classic ballet move and is performed by sliding from first position into a demi-plie in second position and back to first position. Understand the steps that go into a glissade with help from an expert: Lynda DeChane-Audette is the founding artistic director of the South Florida Ballet Theater and was born in Boston. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're ...

How To: Do a center floor ballet routine

In this video, learn how to take exercises from the barre and take them to the center floor. Ballet dancing incorporates several positions and steps that combine to make interesting choreography. Learn a ballet routine from an expert: Lynda DeChane-Audette is the founding artistic director of the South Florida Ballet Theater and was born in Boston. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Do ballet barre exercises

A few basic ballet barre exercises include tondues, plies, frappes, degages and pirouette preparations. Learn some of the foundational barre exercises for classical ballet with help from an expert: Lynda DeChane-Audette is the founding artistic director of the South Florida Ballet Theater and was born in Boston. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Break in a pair of pointe shoes

Maybe not everyone's aware of this, but when bought, pointe shoes are incredibly tough and when not broken in, painful to wear. In this video, learn how to break in new pointe shoes to make them easier to dance in. They can be bent, molded, massaged and even scraped to get the proper flexibility and traction. Find out how to safely break new a brand new pair of shoes with helpful instruction from an expert: Mikael Monson is an instructor specializing in ballet and pointe at the Virtuosity Per...

How To: Sew Pointe Shoes

In every ballerina's life, there comes a day when they are awarded permission to buy their first pair of pointe shoes by their instructor. The ribbons and elastic must be sewn onto pointe shoes after they are purchased, and finding the proper placement for each can be tricky. Find out how to properly sew the ribbons on a pair of pointe shoes from someone who knows what she's talking about.

How To: Teach ballet techniques

Are you an aspiring ballet teacher? Much of teaching ballet techniques to students comes from demonstration & physical correction so that the student's muscles can learn the proper form. Learn how to teach ballet techniques from a pro teacher!

How To: Do the splits quickly

The splits require an enormous amount of flexibility - however, with enough practice the splits are possible for anyone. Being able to do the splits quickly requires stretching, both at the barre and on the floor, to lengthen the hamstrings. Practice basic barre and floor stretches daily with helpful instruction from this expert: Mikael Monson is an instructor specializing in ballet and pointe at the Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio/Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy in Camas, Washington. Le...

How To: Dress for ballet class

Just starting your ballet classes? Not sure what to wear? In this video, learn from one ballet teacher what to wear and how to follow dress code. Ballet dress code usually consists of pulling the hair back in a tight bun and wearing a black leotard, pink tights, sometimes a ballet skirt and pink ballet shoes.

How To: Warm up with ballet barre exercises

Warm up your muscles with simple ballet barre exercises including: simple lies, tendus, degages, ronde de jambes, port de bras and frappes. Get a free demonstration and lesson from this ballet and pointe expert: Mikael Monson is an instructor specializing in ballet and pointe at the Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio/Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy in Camas, Washington. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Do ballet exercises at home

Increase your flexibility, elongate muscles and strengthen your feet with a thera-band and these at home exercises. Continue practicing ballet at home between lessons with the following instruction from a pro. Mikael Monson is an instructor specializing in ballet and pointe at the Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio/Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy in Camas, Washington. Learn more ballet from this expert by searching WonderHowTo! You're only practice time away from ruling the dance floor!

How To: Matte down ballet pointe shoes

This video demonstrates how to matte down your pointe shoes for a recital or performance. For this, you will need a makeup brush and a container of translucent loose face powder. You may cut the powder in half, adding baby powder to it. This will lighten the powder a bit.

How To: Tie pointe shoes for ballet

This video gives a demonstration of how to tie pointe shoes for ballet. The shoes are already on the dancers foot. First, take the wide ribbons and cross them over the top of the foot smoothly. Bring them up behind the ankle, right at the ankle bones. Cross them again at the ankles and then cross them again in the front, keeping the ribbons smooth. Bring the ribbons to the inside side of the foot and tie them. You can tie them in a bow or a knot. In the demonstration the ribbons are tied with...