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First position of the feet turned out

In ballet, turnout (also turn-out) is a rotation of the leg which comes from the hips, causing the knee and foot to turn outward, away from the center of the body. This rotation allows for greater extension of the leg, especially when raising it to the side and rear.^[1] Turnout is essential to classical ballet technique and is the basis on which all ballet movement follows.^[2]

Turnout is measured in degrees with the perfect turnout measured at 180°. The angle measured is that between the feet when the heels are touching in first position. It should be noted that perfect turnout is rarely attainable immediately and one should not attempt movements while overextending one's turnout.^[3]

The elasticity of the iliofemoral ligament (at center) is important for turnout.

The extent to which an individual can rotate their legs is largely predetermined.^[4] The degree of turnout attainable is determined by the shape of the femoral neck and the angle at which the femoral head is inserted into the hip socket, the orientation of the hip socket, the elasticity of the iliofemoral ligament, and the flexibility of the hip and thigh muscles.^[5] However, the structure of the bone may be influenced by ballet exercises before a certain period of bone development attained around the age of eleven.^[4]

The action of turning out the leg is more important to ballet movement than the angle that is attained. Even while standing, turnout must be maintained through an active rotation with the muscles that extends from the hip to the foot.

Beginning dancers should not attempt 180° turnout immediately, but instead must build up the strength and flexibility required. Forcing turnout in the feet will distort the position of the entire body and often results in injury, especially to the knee. An angle of 100° will work the muscles in the hip and thigh without causing the knees to rotate inwards (and the ankles to "roll over").^[3]