Debunking the Turnout Myth: What Adult Dancers Need to Know

Hannah Jennings
Jun 26
3 min read

Updated: Jun 27

Turnout is one of the most iconic elements of ballet... And also one of the most misunderstood. In this post, we’re diving deep into the what, why, and how of turnout with expert insight from Chelsea Weidmann of GeekyBallerina.com — a certified ballet teacher through American Ballet Theater (ABT), Progressing Ballet Technique, and mUvmethod. Whether you’re new to ballet or a seasoned dancer, this is your guide to understanding turnout with more clarity and less stress.

How Ballet History Can Help Us Understand Turnout

Chelsea constructs a brilliant framework: the progression of turnout training in many ways reflects the distinct eras of ballet history.

Beginner dancers mirror the Ballet de Cour Era, with gentle, natural turnout as the goal. Exercises like clamshells help activate the deep external rotators. Tip: try balancing in cou-de-pied rather than retiré early on — it teaches your turnout muscles to work without over-recruiting the quads.
Intermediate dancers channel the Romantic Era. The goal is to improve turnout and increase the range, but there’s still no pressure to be at 180°.
Advanced dancers step into the Classical Era, where all the foundational work pays off. Strong, safe turnout supports elegant lines, higher extensions, and confident balances.

Do I Need "Flat" Turnout to Be a "Real/Advanced/Serious/Beautiful" Dancer?

Short answer? No. And depending on your personal anatomy (i.e. the placement of your hip sockets — if they are more forward-facing or outward-facing), 180° turnout may actually be anatomically unfeasible and unsafe. Chelsea puts it perfectly:

"Turnout is not a goal. Turnout is a tool. And so you use the tool that you have. The tool that you use is not as important as the product, the art, the enjoyment that you create.”

Your job isn’t to force it until you arrive at flat turnout — it’s to utilize and improve upon your current range of motion, correctly and safely. Function and control should always come before range.

How to Improve Your Turnout (Safely) as an Adult Dancer

The secret to safer, stronger turnout is strength + strategy:

Focus on the deep external rotators of the hips (including your piriformis, gemelli, and obturator muscles) as well as proper engagement of your glutes.
Use isometric exercises like Pilates side-lying rotations, and banded resistance work to build strength without strain. Use this video for a simple follow-along turnout workout!
Train your turnout with movement, not just standing still. This reinforces the correct motor patterns over time.

How to Maintain Turnout While Dancing

It’s common to feel like your turnout disappears the second you start moving. Chelsea’s advice:

"Find the secret first position in every step.”

Whether you're doing a rond de jambe, temps lié, or pas de bourrée, train your brain and body to pass through first position in every step. This helps you stay connected to your turnout, even when you’re away from the barre and in motion.

Final Thoughts

Achieving flat turnout isn’t a test you have to pass in order to be a "real dancer." Instead, approach turnout training with gratitude for what your body is currently capable of, and optimism knowing that with consistent effort and time, you CAN improve.

Huge thank you to Chelsea Weidmann for sharing her wisdom! You can learn more from her at GeekyBallerina.com, where she combines anatomical insight with classical training to support dancers of all ages and stages. And if you liked this post, don't miss our full conversation below!