Analysis of components of the "turnout" in beginning and advanced female ballet dancers

Abstract

Lateral rotation of the left and right hip, knee, ankle and intertarsal joints during three trials of turnout from the straight leg and demi-plie positions was quantified with the use of a specially designed friction-free weightbearing goniometer, projecting fin-like body markers, and overhead photography. The female subjects were dancers (10 beginners, 11 advanced) recruited from University of Arizona ballet classes. MANOVAS revealed that turnout as measured from the feet was (1) significantly greater in the advanced group in both positions, (2) significantly greater in the demi-plie position than in the straight leg, (3) a cumulative joint rotation effect with the hip contributing the greatest absolute and relative amounts. Positive significant correlations occurred between: (1) pedal turnout and lateral hip rotation for the advanced group in both positions and for the beginning group in demi-plie, and (2) pedal turnout and lateral ankle rotation for the advanced dancers in the straight leg position. Alignment of the lower extremity segments during turnout from both positions did not exist for either group.