Turn Boards and Turn Disks
What Is a Turn Board or Turn Disc?
Turn boards and turn discs are used for training to perform multiple turns on one foot. They are most commonly used in Ballet but are also widely used for other forms of dance (and even outside of dance).
Turn boards have a convex bottom that creates a small point of contact with the floor. Because only a small portion of the turn board or disc touches the floor, there is very little friction, which makes spinning substantially easier.
What Is The Difference Between a Turn Board and a Turn Disc?
There are a couple key differences between a turn board and a turn disc. The most obvious major difference is the shape. Turn boards are rectangular while turn discs are circular. Turn boards and turn discs, although both used for turning, are quite different in practice.
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Turn Boards
Turn boards are typically about 3 inches wide and 12 inches in length. The primary "feature" a turn board offers is that it allows you to go flat footed. Although turns aren't typically performed flat footed, it can be helpful for getting used to the feeling of doing multiple turns and developing balance. It allows the user to figure out how to find their center while in rotation, and due to the increased turn speed magnifies any imperfections.
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Turn Discs
Turn discs are generally under 6 inches wide. The lack of size encourages the user to practice their spins in Releve, as they would without a turn disc. This essentially forces the user to perform their practice spins on the balls of their feet, otherwise their feet will make contact with the floor. Turn discs are growing in popularity because they encourage proper form and are more compact than traditional turn boards.
Best Turn Boards and Turn Discs
There are a variety of different brands that make Turn Boards and Turn Discs. Below we have listed some of the top rated products for both budget buyers and those looking for the highest possible quality.
TurnBoard Pro
The TurnBoard Pro is a well constructed turn board featuring an iPhone app that allows you to track the speed, number of turns and form - resulting in a total score. It is manufactured in the U.S.A. and is guaranteed not to flatten out over time.
Key Features
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Made in the U.S.A.
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App tracks turns, speed and form
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Glittery finish looks fantastic
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Rechargeable battery and cable included
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Fits inside the StretchPro Foot Stretcher
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Kenzie Ziegler TurnBoard
The Kenzie Ziegler TurnBoard is the same as the TurnBoard Pro - but without the ability to monitor and track your spins using the iPhone app. This turn board is made of high density plastic and is guaranteed not to flatten out over time.
Key Features
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Pirouetter by Frank Frog
The Pirouetter by Frank Frog is a high quality turn board made from 7-ply Canadian Maple wood. Many people prefer wood turn boards over plastic and claim that they are longer lasting and less proned to wear.
Key Features
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Beautiful Canadian Maple wood
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Extremely sturdy and durable
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Many people claim hardwood turn boards benefit from faster rotation and less wear
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My Turn On Releve Disc
The My Turn Disc is a padded turn disc made from high density plastic. Turn discs are quickly becoming the preferred training tool for practicing turns as it forces the user into releve while maintaining the benefits of a traditional rectangular turn board.
Key Features
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Padded for comfort
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Encourages proper form by forcing user into releve
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More compact than a traditional turn board
Check Best Price on Amazon
Why Use a Turn Board or Turn Disc?
Turn boards and turn discs offer many advantages when practicing turns. They reduce the users friction with the floor, thereby allowing for much increased speed and additional rotations. The greater speed of the turns allows the user to feel imbalance easier and adjust their form to correct. Additionally, it allows the user to get used to multiple rotations and improve their overall spotting ability to maintain balance not only during their turns but after.
