08/19/2026
One of the most common corrections dancers hear is:
"Pull your pinky toe back and your heel forward to seal your fifth."
While this may create the "appearance" of a tighter fifth position, it doesn't actually improve your turnout.
Instead, it can encourage you to twist your feet into a position your hips may not be able to support.
When your feet are forced into more turnout than your body can control, your alignment often changes from the ground up. Without improving your center, irregular stresses can be placed on the:
✔️ Low back
✔️ Hips
✔️ Knees
✔️ Ankles
✔️ Feet
Over time, these compensations may increase your risk of discomfort or injury.
This is especially important for adult and senior ballet dancers.
As we age, natural changes in joint mobility occur. Dancers with knee degeneration, arthritis, or a history of hip replacement should be especially cautious about trying to "create" turnout by twisting through the feet, as this may place additional stress on the knees and other joints.
Instead of forcing the shape, focus on building the movement.
Here are three healthier ways to improve your fifth position:
✔️ 1. Accept your body's anatomy.
Every dancer has different hip structure, joint mobility, and turnout potential. There is no single "perfect" fifth position that fits everyone.
✔️ 2. Prioritize function over appearance.
A well aligned fifth that respects your body's mechanics will serve your dancing far better than forcing the image of an idealized ballet position.
✔️ 3. Improve turnout where it actually begins.
Develop hip mobility by combining mobility work, stretching, deep external rotator strengthening, core stability, and movement training. These are the qualities that help you build stronger, healthier turnout over time.
Your goal isn't to make your feet look more turned out.
Your goal is to create turnout your body can actually support. (And yes, it does take hard work!)
If you're looking for time manageable workouts to improve your turnout through mobility, strength, and ballet specific technique, my Veronica K Ballet Online Platform has newly updated self paced courses designed specifically for adult and senior ballet dancers.
These step by step programs teach you how to build healthier turnout without forcing your joints into positions they cannot safely control.
🔗 Link in bio to get started, or comment "FIFTHPOSITION" below and I'll send you the direct link to the course.