Ballet Turning Drills: En Dehors, Fouetté Swivel, and En Dedans

Mastering the art of turning requires more than just momentum; it demands precision, balance, and a deep understanding of body mechanics. In this Broche Ballet practice session, we dive deep into a complex turning sequence designed to challenge your coordination and refine your technique. We focus specifically on a three-part progression: the en dehors pirouette, the fouetté swivel, and the en dedans pirouette.

The session begins by breaking down the en dehors pirouette, emphasizing the importance of a strong plié preparation and a quick drive into passé. You will learn how to maintain your center of gravity while rotating outward. Following this, we introduce the fouetté swivel.

This movement requires a dynamic push through the back foot to maintain momentum, especially when transitioning between different types of turns. It is a vital drill for dancers who find themselves losing power or balance midway through a sequence. Next, we tackle the en dedans pirouette, focusing on the inward rotation and the stability required to close the turn cleanly.

The instructor provides expert guidance on arm placement and spotting, which are essential for preventing dizziness and ensuring multiple rotations. To wrap up the practice, these elements are integrated into a short waltz combination. By combining these turns with foundational steps like pas de bourrée, chassé, and tendu, you will see how these drills translate into fluid choreography.

Practicing at a slow waltz tempo allows you to focus on the transitions—the glue that holds a dance together. Whether you are practicing in a studio or at your home barre, these drills will help you find greater consistency in your pirouettes. At Broche Ballet, we believe that breaking down complex movements into manageable sequences is the key to technical mastery.

Join us as we explore the nuances of weight transfer and alignment in this specialized turning workshop.