Build the Italian Fouetté Step by Step (Grand Fouetté en Tournant)

The Italian fouetté, technically known as the grand fouetté en tournant, is a brilliant and demanding movement often seen in classical codas and variations. In this 26-minute technical practice session, Broche Ballet provides a comprehensive breakdown to help you master this complex sequence. We move beyond the surface-level movement to explore the underlying mechanics of turnout, weight placement, and momentum that make this step successful.

Throughout the class, we focus on the essential components of the Italian fouetté: the initial preparation, the powerful brush into grand battement, and the sharp rotation that defines the step. You will learn to navigate the transition through écarté and the piqué onto the supporting leg with precision. A key highlight of this tutorial is the comparison between passing the foot through cou-de-pied versus first position; we specifically explore why the latter is often preferred for its superior momentum and clean brush movement.

To ensure a solid foundation, we practice the sequence slowly, allowing you to focus on proper body alignment and the coordination of the arms and legs. We incorporate foundational steps such as tendu, fondu, and pas de bourrée to build the strength required for the full execution. By the end of this session, you will understand how to coordinate the 'wild step' of the tombe into a controlled and beautiful landing in fondu. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this class offers the technical insights needed to take your grand fouetté en tournant to the next level with the signature Broche Ballet focus on detail and encouragement.