pirouette en dehors

ballet movement

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Last updated

July 2, 2026

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A pirouette en dehors is a ballet turn performed on one leg, with the body turning outward, away from the supporting leg. This movement, originating from the French word for "to whirl about," is a fundamental element in ballet. Dancers typically perform pirouettes on the ball of the foot (demi-pointe) or on pointe for women. The extended leg can be held in various positions, such as to the side (à la seconde) or to the back (arabesque or attitude). While often executed as a single turn, dancers can perform multiple pirouettes in succession, with advanced dancers executing many turns.12

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pirouette
…(à la seconde, or grande pirouette), or back (arabesque and attitude). The body may turn toward the raised leg (en dehors: “outside,” or “backward”) or the supporting leg (en dedans: “inside,” or “forward”). Four and five pirouettes are now commonly performed, and up to 14 have been executed by 20th-century…
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…(à la seconde, or grande pirouette), or back (arabesque and attitude). The body may turn toward the raised leg (en dehors: “outside,” or “backward”) or the supporting leg (en dedans: “inside,” or “forward”). Four and five pirouettes are now commonly performed, and up to 14 have been executed by 20th-century…
Read More