Hi @medlandw, and welcome to BalletHub!
Pirouettes can be tricky enough on flat, and even more-so when you add in pointe shoes! There of course is the strength aspect, which your teacher seems to have pointed out, but confidence is also very important.
One of the best tricks for pirouettes is to practice doing less than what you are struggling with. So if you are uncomfortable with doubles, try a single and really focus on getting into a good position quickly and maintaining it for the entire turn. If you’re uncomfortable with singles, then try simple releves or half turns wearing your pointe shoes. As you feel more solid in releves or singles, this should help build confidence because you should trust that you are in a proper position for turning, so all there is left to do is turn!
This is tried and true advice, but sometimes dancers don’t like to try low numbers of pirouettes because they are either embarrassed or feel they should be able to turn more. If this is the case, try turning in an empty room when no one is around to help build confidence. Eventually, you will feel more confident to try more.
But that being said, everything in ballet comes from a strong base, so working on the basics only makes sense! The best turners understand the benefits of practicing lower numbers and just plain balances in order to later really turn like a top!
Good luck! Check back in and let us know about your progress!
