

In this bolder configuration, one leg is raised up at 90 degrees. This type of striking turn is an expanded form of the basic pirouette. Pirouette en dehors, on the other hand, is an outwards turn in which the body turns towards the raised leg, so if the dancer turns on the right foot, the dancer turns to the left. The supporting foot can be either on pointe or demi-pointe, with the working leg positioned in various configurations.Īs the body can rotate in two directions, there are two distinct types of pirouettes: Pirouette en dedans, which is an inward turn a pirouette which turns inwards towards the supporting leg. A pirouette is a complete turn of the body on one foot. This is likely the first turn that comes to mind when most people recall watching a ballet performance. As the burden of balance is shared between both legs as opposed to just one, this is considered a relatively easy turn and is among the first taught to aspiring dancers.
#BEGINNING BALLET MOVES SECOND POSITION FULL#
The continuous movement means that the dancer will complete a full rotation within two steps. Here is a list with the different types of ballet turns that ballerinas employ to craft their captivating performances:Ĭhaînés, meaning “chains” in French, is a basic two-step turn that is performed when both feet alternate back and forth to keep moving in a line or circle.

Generally speaking, these types of ballet turns include female and male pirouettes and their offshoots. Although to the untrained eye, many of these spins and turns may appear indistinguishable, there are in fact certain discernible characteristics which make each one unique. The graceful turns of elegant ballerinas are the iconic move that many have come to love about this revered style of dance.
