Ballet Piroutte

The pirouette, a spin around on one leg, is one of the most difficult of all dance steps. To do a pirouette, you must make a complete turn around yourself, while balancing on one leg. A pirouette may be performed en dehors or en dedans. Pirouettes usually begin in fourth, fifth or second position.  

• Stand in fourth position.
• Both legs should be straight.
• If your right foot is in front, make sure your left arm is facing the front, and vice versa.
• Fix your eyes on a spot at eye level.

Bend both legs into a deep plie.

• Concentrate on sinking both heels into the floor, so that you can push off into your pirouette.
• Keep your eyes fixated as you prepare to start the turn.
• Concentrate on holding your body in a tight position.

Spring up into retire position as you begin your turn.

• Releve to demi-pointe, or full-pointe if you are wearing pointe shoes, bringing your back foot up to your front leg.
• Hold your arms in first position.
• Find your center of balance and hold it tightly.
• Turn your body and legs together as a unit.
• Hold your shoulders level.
• Keep your eyes fixed as long as you can, then whip your head around and focus again.

Hold your body straight while you complete the turn.

• Stay tight by holding in your abs.
• Hold your foot exactly in place as you turn.
• Keep both legs turned out throughout the pirouette.
• As you spot, make sure your head completes the rotation before your body, as this will prevent dizziness and create momentum.

The ending position of a pirouette is just as important as the beginning position, gracefully end your pirouette in fourth position.