Improving Turnout in University Dancers

A high degree of turnout is desired by many dancers. Turnout enables the efficient transfer of weight, allows for greater extension and control, and reduces injury risk when used correctly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in a targeted training program beyond technique classes would improve university dancers’ ability to use a greater proportion of the turnout their bodies could accommodate without compensation. Six dancers’ ability to produce turnout without distorting their alignment was assessed daily, and a multiple baseline experimental design was used to measure the effects of turnout training. Results showed an average increase of 14° in Total Active Turnout (TAT) for all six dancers. In addition, a dance teacher with special experience in the dance sciences rated all of the dancers as showing better control of turnout while performing an adagio phrase following training than before training. These findings suggest that targeted training may offer a useful approach to helping dancers improve skills that enhance performance and promote good health.