I have found in the past that when I have a real balance problem and "fall out" of my pirouettes, it is largely due to not pulling up. When I concentrate, I realize that though my preparation may be great, once I begin to move my body relaxes and things cave in. I had the same problem in figure skating spins years ago. It takes a lot of concentration to keep your spine lengthened, until it finally becomes second nature. (Does that day ever come?). I found two things that helped immensely, first, I elevated my spot a few inches. Instead of looking straight ahead at eye level, I look slightly up. That helps to keep my chin up. If your head is looking down, the rest of you will follow. Also, read the thread Basheva posted on breathing through your dance. The timing of the breathing during pirouettes made a huge difference in mine. My balance is better, and the turn feels more effortless-- less clenched up. I assume this is translating into a more fluid and effortless look because that is certainly the way that it feels. I think in my effort to stay tall and pulled up during the turn, I tended to tighten every muscle and it felt very tense. With the breathing technique, my body feels relaxed, but very tall. Give it a try!
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