Chaîné

Chaîné, the French word for “chain,” is a traveling turn step. A chaîné consists of pivots in first position linked together, thus making a “chain” of turns. Chaînés can be done in any number of sets, usually occurring in the amount needed to fill a specific number of musical counts. They can also be performed as faster or slower turns depending on the choreography, style, or class combination, and can be done on pointe or demi pointe. There are a few difficult aspects to chaînés- including traveling, arm placement, first position size, the speed of the turns, and keeping consistent technique through the step. 

Since chaîné turns use a first position on pointe or demi to turn efficiently, work on securing your first position placement so it stays the same through the pivots. Maintain the same technique you would apply to a first position balance at barre. For faster chaînés, this first position will likely be smaller than a standard first position on pointe or demi. A smaller position with feet closer together will allow you to pivot much more quickly. Keep awareness through your feet and arches to stay as high on demi pointe or pointe as possible. This will help you stay lifted and at the same level through the step. Simultaneously, think of leaving your toes close to the ground as you pivot from one foot to the other. The toes should just skim and barely lift from the floor. This helps avoid rocking from side to side when the weight is being transferred during the pivot. It’s also useful to make sure the moment between pivots (when both feet are on the ground) occurs to the front and back facings. 

Getting stuck in one place is a common issue in chaîné turns. Start by making sure you keep consistent half turn rotations. Traveling where you want to go will be much more difficult if you start to rotate too much or too little. Make sure each foot touches down on an imaginary line of travel each half turn. This will ensure you are progressing in the right direction with each rotation, and not staying stuck. Arm placement can also be very helpful in maintaining force and speed through the series of rotations. Keep your arms centered, and imagine your shoulders staying lined up with your hips and through your toes through the turns. Maintaining upper body placement and not sinking or trying to lean more into either side will help you keep your chaînés consistent and placed. 

It can take a lot of practice and repetition to accomplish consistent chaîné turns, so it’s helpful to be patient with this step. Think of chaînés as simply being a first position on pointe or demi pointe that pivots, then build from there!

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday!