In a dance for our recital, we have to do fouettes, and I'm terrible at them. What kind of exercises (strengthening or other) work the best? I don't know if it'd help to strengthen my muscles more or if I just have to do them 'til I drop!

You definitely need strength. Practice a lot of balances on releve. Core strength would help too. Doing continuous pirouettes from 5th will help you too

This exercise is GREAT for fouettes. I use it with all levels and all styles (ballet and jazz) of dance. I usually have my students repeat the pattern four times (down, down, up), and then do an actual turn (at the barre) on the last one. Then they do the other foot.

The girl in the video is demonstrating en dedans preparation exercises. I would start with en dehors before attempting en dedans fouettes.



In case you can't see the video, here's a link: youtu.be . . .

Wow, thank you! That video was really helpful.

That video is helpful. We have recently started trying these at the barre also. It makes a difference when you can see them this way. Thanks for posting the link!

I always do that as my second fouttee prep exercise. The first one I use with my students is on the floor, laying on your back. Place your hands on your hips and developpe en avant, take the leg a la seconde and concentrate on keeping you pelvis level. Then bring the leg back to retire.

I find this makes people much more aware of their spinal and pelvic placement before I bring them to the barre for the En dehors version of the exercise in the YouTube clip.