Now, let it be understood that a pirouette is a turn, or spin, on one foot only, or else in the air. One species of pirouette is made in conjunction with the fouetté, the body being permitted to turn with the impulse of the leg’s backward sweep. The making of a pirouette, however, requires its own preparations, as shown in the first four figures of the diagram. In figure 47 the legs are pliés. Figures 48, 49 and 50 represent a developpé, or unfolding—a device of frequent use in the present conditions, namely, the need of bringing the active leg to horizontal in preparation for a step. The extension of the arms as indicated enables them to give a vigourous start to the revolving movement; the leg, by a sharp sweep “outward,” contributes to the same impulse. The turn started, the fouetté is executed as it proceeds. The free foot drops to position behind the supporting leg. But note that as the body continues turning, the foot changes from position behind to position in front; very simple, in performance very effective—and until understood, puzzling in its illusion of winding up and unwinding. It is permissible, in the position of figure 52, to drop to the heel of the supporting foot, for a momentary renewal of equilibrium; but there is merit in going through without that aid. The position at finish leaves the dancer prepared to repeat the tour, which can be done an indefinite number of times in succession; to continue into an arabesque (figures 55, 56); or to enter a different step.
Right leg sweeps “out” in horizontal plane (51) continuing as in 52, turning the body with its revolution. As the body completes the turn from 52 to 53, the right foot is brought to crossed position in front of the ankle.
Among the variations of the above typical fouetté pirouette is its execution “in” instead of “out”: that is, to sweep the active leg across in front of the supporting leg, to start the turn, instead of raising it out to the side. Again using the left foot as support, the turn of the body is now toward the left, instead of toward the right as when the step is executed “out.” The active foot arrives at its position of crossing the supporting leg when it has described a half-circle.