Definition

1. Noun:

   • A rapid, full-circle spin or turn of the body, performed on the ball of the foot or the toes, especially in ballet and other forms of dance.

2. Verb:

   • To perform a rapid, full-circle spin on the ball of the foot or the toes.

Usage

• As a Noun: Used to describe the specific spinning movement itself.
• As a Verb: Used to describe the action of executing such a spin.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The dancer's final pirouette was executed with perfect balance.
  • She practiced her pirouettes at the barre for hours.

• Verb:

  • The ballerina pirouetted across the stage with incredible speed.
  • He can pirouette multiple times in succession.

Advanced Usage

• "to execute a pirouette": A formal way to describe performing the spin with skill.
  • The principal dancer executed a flawless quadruple pirouette.
• "pirouette on pointe": Specifies performing the spin while on the tips of the toes in pointe shoes.
  • Only advanced students can safely pirouette on pointe.

Variants and Related Words

• Turn (n/v): A more general term for a rotating movement in dance or gymnastics.
• Spin (n/v): A general term for rapid rotation, not specific to ballet technique.
• Fouetté (n): A related ballet turn where the working leg whips around to propel the spin.

Synonyms

• Twirl: Suggests a light, rapid spinning motion.
• Whirl: Implies a swift, energetic spin.

Related Phrases

• "spotting a pirouette": A technique where a dancer focuses their eyes on a fixed point to maintain balance and prevent dizziness during multiple spins.
  • Good spotting is essential for controlling your pirouettes.

Noun

1. (ballet) a rapid spin of the body (especially on the toes as in ballet)

Verb

1. do a pirouette, usually as part of a dance