A ballet spin is an essential part of a dancer’s technical training and performance. It is used to quickly turn the dancer around in a full circle, or even multiple circles, while keeping the body’s center of balance and maintaining the line of the arms and legs. Ballet spins are also used to add drama to a dance performance, as they create beautiful shapes in the air with their arms and legs while spinning.
Having a strong technical understanding of how to perform a proper ballet spin is important for any dancer. The most common type of spin is called an fouetté en tournant, which translates from French as “to whip and turn”.
This spin starts with the feet in fifth position, then whipping one leg out to the side while turning in a circle on the other foot. The whipping action creates momentum that propels the dancer around in a full circle or multiple circles.
The other type of ballet spin is called an entrechat quatre, which translates from French as “interweaving four”. This spin begins with both feet off the ground, then crossing one foot over the other in mid-air and changing directions several times before coming down into fourth position.
This spinning motion creates intricate patterns in the air as both feet cross each other back and forth. It can also be performed multiple times in succession for greater effect.
The final type of ballet spin is called an en dehors pirouette, which translates from French as “outside turn”. This spin starts with feet together in first position, then jumping into fourth position before rotating quickly around on one foot with arms extended outwards from the body. En dehors pirouettes can be performed once or multiple times for greater effect.
Overall, there are three main types of ballet spins: fouetté en tournant, entrechat quatre, and en dehors pirouette. Each requires excellent technique and control to perform properly, but when done well they can add grace and beauty to any dance performance.
Conclusion:
What Is a Ballet Spin Called?
A ballet spin has three main types: fouetté en tournant, entrechat quatre or en dehors pirouette, each requiring excellent technical skill to perform properly. When done well however they can add great grace and beauty to any dance performance.