* Your working leg should be lifted from the inner thigh~ Your leg goes higher and is easier to lift.
* Spring your supporting leg onto demi/full pointe without hesitation
* Don't slouch- pull up out of your hips and spine.
* Don't push your shoulders too far forward or backward.
* Snap your spot
* Keep your chest up!
PIROUETTES:
* DO NOT WIND UP YOUR ARMS. It throws you off blance, which can result in some harsh falls.
* Remember to Passe/Retire (terminology depends on your method) in front and keep it there.
* Keep both your shoulders aligned with both your hips...the "four headlights", as some teachers call it.
* Again, pull straight out of your hips and spine, as though there's a string attatched to your head that is pulling you up (yes, I know, you're probably heard that before, but it's true!)
* Don't roll your shoulders forward, as it throws you off your center and brings you crashing forward. Don't roll them back, either, as this arches your back, throwing you off your center and sending you backwards.
* As said by Finis Jhung: "The more you fall, the more you fall. The more you balance, the more you balance."
* Like in any turns, be sure to spot your gaze.
GRANDE JETES:
* This leap is much more effective if you are flexible. The further you split your legs, the better.
* When you go for your takeoff, grande battement your front leg into the air and push off your back leg. Don't developpe your front leg-- that's for saut de chats.
* In the air, think of going up (takeoff), over (midair), and down (landing).
* Keep your back leg straight when landing.
* When you leap, your body should maintain a relaxed quality. The best way of doing this is to think of your legs are doing all the work, and your body as just being a passenger.
TOUR JETES:
* When taking off, start your jump with a feirce grande battement in front of you, pointed in whatever direction you are heading (corner wall, wings, etc). This will give you a nice elevation as well as a good "split" in the air.
* Keep your back leg straight as you land.
* Remember to point both feet. No matter how good the rest of your jump is, it will look like awful if you don't point your feet.
*Keep your back straight and don't slump forward when you land.
