Monday and Ducks

Monday and Ducks

A piqué turn en dehors is often called either a “step-over” or a “lame duck” turn.  This distinguishes it from the piqué turn en dedans, and also refers to the way the turn looks when it is performed.  It does have an up-and-down appearance – like a lame duck.

Unlike the usual piqué turn en dedans, which has one step before the turn, the lame duck has two steps. It is important that these two steps are done correctly, because they guarantee a successful turn and make it easy for the dancer to do doubles or multiples.

The first step must travel, (step out and down), into a plié.  The second step, on the other foot, must step up(onto a straight leg) underneath the dancer.  This stepping underneath is one of the only times in ballet that a piqué doesn’t step out, or travel. 

So for piqué turns en dehors, or lame duck turns, remember to step out and down (plié), then under and up(piqué)! 

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #14d:  

 “A pique turn en dehors (lame duck) involves one step out and down, one step under and up.”

 

                Link of the Day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et31LySAxf0

 

Quote of the Day:

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

-Mark Twain

 

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