Every movement you make should be powered by the action of your feet (or foot). In terms of preparing for the pirouette en dehors from the fourth position, keep the following in mind:

1. Your supporting foot grips the floor in order to bring the body and legs into place for the preparatory pose and the plié.
2. Your supporting foot grips the floor in opposition to the upward stretch of your head. This engages and connects all of the muscles in your supporting leg from the toes to the hip. How can you expect to line up your  leg bones properly unless you engage the muscles that move them?
3. Your supporting foot grips the floor in order to bring all of the weight of your body into it.
4. Your supporting foot grips the floor and determines the placement of your back foot.
5. Your supporting foot pushes down on the floor so that you relevé and turn on a straight leg.
6. When your back toe leaves the floor that is when you turn your head and spot.

Excerpted from my book The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique: A Guide for Teachers & Students

Guidebook