Technique · Skills
Skills & universal principles
Across every style, the same physics shows up: a stable axis, a deep plié, a connected core, and a clear focus. We explain the principles behind common skills here — not step-by-step tutorials. Skill training belongs in the studio with a qualified teacher.
Turns
Pirouettes, chaînés, fouettés, piqués, à la seconde. The universal principle: spotting + a connected core + an aligned vertical axis. More rotations come from cleaner mechanics, not more force.
Leaps
Grand jetés, switch leaps, firebirds, tilts, calypsos. Universal principle: a deeper plié produces a higher leap, and a soft, controlled landing protects the knees and ankles.
Jumps
Sautés, assemblés, jetés, grand allegro. Power comes from the floor through a full foot articulation; control comes from the core.
Kicks
Common in dance team, pom, and drill. Counterintuitively, the supporting leg (stability, alignment) matters more than the kicking leg.
Extensions & flexibility
Flexibility develops slowly and safely over time under professional guidance. We describe it only conceptually — there are no magic stretches here, no goal numbers, and no timelines. Pushing range too fast is how dancers get hurt.
Acro tricks & partner work — no DIY, ever
Aerials, acro tricks, and partnering/lifts carry serious injury risk. We will never publish how-to tutorials for them. These require a certified instructor, proper surfaces and mats, and trained spotters — full stop.
How to use this
Bring this vocabulary to class so you understand your teacher's corrections faster. The improvement happens with hands-on coaching, not from a screen.
Beyond steps — the craft
How choreography becomes storytelling: musicality, formations, transitions.
Choreography as Craft