Pirouette talk!

Pirouettes. The perfect pirouette is something most dancers dream of.

First: The basics

A pirouette can be performed either en dehors, which means turning away from the supporting leg, or en dedans, which means turning toward the supporting leg.

Usually you start a pirouette in fourth and fifth and sometimes in second position.

Let's go a bit more into detail: legs and arms (starting in fourth position)

Your legs should be in fourth position, totally straight. As always make sure you turn out your legs from your hips and not your knees!

For pirouettes en dehors:

If your left leg is in the front your arms should be in third position, right arm in the front. If your left leg is in the back your arms are in third position, left arm in the front.

TIP: Try to keep your shoulders down at all times because your shoulders give your arms the sturdiness you need to balance your whole body when you turn.


Then plie (both legs). Don't put your whole weight on one foot, keep it balanced on both.
Find your spot on eye level to fix when you're turning.
You should feel your heels pressing strongly against the floor. This will give you the energy to turn.
Now you're ready to push up on demi pointe/pointe, keeping your supporting leg (the leg that stays on the floor) strong and still pressing against the floor.

TIP: Imagine someone is pulling you up on a string so your body is totally straight. Your stomach is sucked in and your shoulders are pulled down. At the same time you have to feel like your working leg is heavy as an elephants leg, pressing against the floor with all of your strength. 
You have to feel like you are growing while you're turning.

Your working leg has to be in a retire position. Pull the leg up in this position as fast as possible.
You can either put your working leg in front, behind or directly at your knee.
As soon as your working leg comes off the floor it HAS to be pointed!

TIP: Holding your turnout is easiest if your working leg is in front of your knee.


During the turn your arms are in first position!

It is really important to find your centre while turning and to hold it tightly.
To find that centre you have to engage your abdominals. And don't forget on your shoulders, butt and turn out muscles.
ALWAYS remember to keep your chin up!

Especially if you do multiple pirouettes spotting is the key to success.
Your head has to turn before your body does to create momentum and avoid dizziness.

Pirouettes en dedans:

Basically your starting position is the same BUT your arms will be different: If your left leg is in the front your left arm will be in the front as well. Same for right leg and right arm.

Plie again, pulling up your working leg in retire and your arms up in fifth position.

Last but not least: Finishing those pirouettes

Finishing pirouettes is as important as beginning them as the finish completes the movement.

Gracefully finish the pirouette either in fourth or fifth position.

There are several different positions of arms that are appropriate for the finish.