Difference between parallel and turned-out foot positions and why is this taught early?

• A. Turnout is feet forward; parallel is rotated from the hip; taught early for safety and line.
• B. Parallel is feet forward; turnout is rotated from the hip; taught early for safety and line.
• C. Parallel is rotated from the hip; turnout is forward; taught late for safety.
• D. Turnout is required for all positions and never changes.

Answer: (B)

Parallel means the feet point straight ahead with the legs in line, while turnout means the feet are rotated outward from the hips, so the toes point away from the midline. Turnout is achieved by rotating the femur at the hip, not by twisting the knee or ankle, and teaching it early helps establish safe alignment and a long, clean line from hip to toe. Introducing turnout early also builds the necessary hip rotation and balance so students can move with correct technique as they progress. The other statements mix up where the rotation comes from or when it’s taught, or imply turnout is universal and unchanging, which isn’t accurate.