Physical Analysis as a Foundation for Pirouette Training

Learning to perform successful pirouettes is often a very repetitive process, which can lead to fatigue-related injury. Little use is made of scientific principles of motion that can make instruction more efficient. This study of the relationship between certain aspects of the pirouette preparation position and the success of the movement relates the fundamental physical principles to experimental results with dancers. The results show that pirouettes are generally improved when the width of the fourth position preparation is increased, so long as the initial proportion of weight on each foot is carefully controlled. Those results are demonstrably useful in enhancing the efficiency of instruction and lessening the potential for injury for students learning pirouettes.