Often when we see ballet performances, we see the prima ballerina turn and turn all the way across the stage for what seems like a long time on her tippy toes. She never tumbles or loses her balance. She is doing chaînés turns!
The word chaînés is an abbreviation of the phrase tours chaînés déboulés: a series of fast 360 degree rotating turns alternating from one foot to another. The most effective and showy way to do chaînés are en pointe or en relevé (on the toes) in a tight first position.
One of the most important parts of doing a chaînés turn is learning to spot properly. Spotting involves the rotation of the head and body at different times to allow the dancer to focus on balance and prevent dizziness, as seen in the image below.
Proper body placement is also very important. To maintain balance, the dancer's body must be kept tall and straight, as if pulled up by a piece of string on the top of their head.
Watch the instructional video by clicking here for help on learning how to do chaînés.
Although ballerinas make it look easy, chaînés are hard. You will wobble and fall at first, but with a lot of practice and perseverance, you can make your chaînés look flawless and easy.
Happy chaîné-ing!
Miss Tess
tessc@balletpetite.com
