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DictionarypirouetteDance spin
noun / verb

pirouette

pih-roo-ET/pˌɪruˈɛ/

A dancer's rapid spin on one foot or toe.

The dancer performs a pirouette on one supporting foot.

A male ballet dancer turning rapidly on one supporting foot in a clear retiré position, with restrained curved motion strokes distinguishing the spin from a static balance.
Etymology
pirouetteFrenchspinning top; dancing turn

French pirouette originally meant a spinning top. Its application to dancing evokes a dancer whirling around a single point of support, like the toy.

In context

Ballet Misfit38:38
I don't want to just make you do a full pirouette in the first round because it's just so overwhelming
Pirouette Basics: Mini Lesson 1

More examples

  • She pirouetted across the stage.
  • He practiced balancing before attempting the pirouette.
  • The final pirouette ended with a controlled landing.

Forms

pirouette · pirouettes · pirouetted · pirouetting

Similar words

spin
Spin is the general turn; pirouette names a controlled dance turn on one foot.
twirl
Twirl is a light turning motion; pirouette specifies a dance movement with a particular balance.