Ballet technique refers to a system of anatomically correct strategies which, when applied, seeks to achieve the articulation, combined execution and artistic expression of the ballet vocabulary. Technique may also refer more generally to a dancer's training and ability. The core technique of ballet has only minor regional variations globally. Various training methods have been devised, these produce a different physicality of performance and aesthetic results. Ballet (especially
classical ballet) puts great emphasis on the method and execution of movement
[1].
Ballet technique can refer to the foundational principles and steps on which ballet steps are built. These foundational principles and steps include "pulling up" (a popular term used to describe proper posture and lifting the muscles so as to increase turnout, quantity and quality of turns, and proper alignment), posture, pointing the toe, and flexibility.
In general, referring to the execution of dance, a dancer with good technique requires good placement (or alignment), and turnout. Where alignment refers to the dancer's ability to keep the head, shoulders, and hips aligned vertically, turnout refers to the dancer's ability to complete movements with the legs rotated outward. This can be in areas such as clean footwork, graceful port de bras (carriage of the arms), and overall correct positions and lines/angles.
Young dancers receive a rigorous education in their school's method of dance, which begins when they are young and ends with graduation from high school. Students are required to learn the names, meanings, and precise technique of each movement they learn. Emphasis is put on building strength mostly in the lower body, particularly the legs, and the core (also called the center or the abdominals) as a strong core is necessary for many movements in ballet, especially turns, and on developing flexibility and strong feet and ankles for dancing en pointe.
