Fun Friday Fouettés and Keyholes
No, I’m not talking about fouetté turns, as in 32. I’m focusing on a standard fouetté. The French term “fouetté” means “to whip” and
that is a pretty accurate description of the correct movement. There are many different variations on the
fouetté, but all contain a basic whipping type of movement.
Often taught first at
the barre, the working leg is extended in the devant position, then the body turns away from the working leg, and
the working leg ends up in an arabesque or derriere position. The dancer spots a focal point at the
finishing position, (remember, “If it turns, it spots”, Ballet Statute #5). http://balletwebb.blogspot.com/2013/12/wonderful-wednesday-turns-and-spots.html
A key point here (no pun intended) is that the working leg
must maintain its original height (or go higher), and not drop at all. To keep the height, imagine that the working
foot extends even longer (is placed in a wide keyhole), and when the fouetté happens,
turn the key (always maintaining the turn-out).
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Secret #20a:
“To maintain the height of the working leg in a fouetté,
imagine placing the foot in a keyhole, and then turn the key.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach
your full potential…these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal
excellence.”
-Confucius
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