Which statement best describes the outward rotation involved in Cecchetti technique?

• A. Turnout is inward rotation of the legs from the knee.
• B. Turnout is outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints.
• C. Turnout is the bending of the knees.
• D. Turnout is the rotation of the feet only.

Answer: (B)

Turnout in Cecchetti is the outward rotation of the legs that starts at the hip joints. The hips are the source of the rotational movement, so the femurs rotate within the hip sockets and the knees and feet follow in the same direction. This ensures the entire leg moves as a unit and helps maintain proper knee and ankle alignment, reducing the risk of injury. The rotation should come from the hip’s external rotators, not from twisting the knee or simply turning the feet outward.

So the best description is outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints because it captures where the movement originates and how the rest of the leg aligns with the turn. Rotating from the knee, bending the knees, or turning only the feet do not describe how true turnout is produced in Cecchetti technique.