How do you do a pirouette?

Question:I'm a hip hop dancer, but I actually want to know how pirouettes are done (more than 1 or 2 spins). I seem to really have trouble spotting and balancing. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm a hip hop dancer, but I actually want to know how pirouettes are done (more than 1 or 2 spins). I seem to really have trouble spotting and balancing. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. :)

Yes yes ... spotting is important. It's all about the spotting, so definitely practice that. Just remember that when you actually "spot" that your head is the last thing that twists. Your body goes first, followed by your head. It's not just a movement, it's a whip. This means a fast, sharp movement to get around to whatever spot that you're watching.

FURTHERMORE, the cool thing about hip-hop is that you don't HAVE to do a "traditional" pirouette to do multiple turns. This style of dance does not hold you to the same restriction as ballet for instance where the "pirouette" is classic. (BTW, I currently go to both hip-hop and ballet classes as well as jazz). My turns for all these classes vary based on the style of the class and specifically the piece/song. Anyway, what I mean is that you don't have to have your non-supporting leg in a passe position on your supporting leg. If you're still relatively inexperienced with turns, try a spot lower than the knee height on the supporting leg ... maybe even at the ankle of your supporting leg. It'll help you learn to balance and control your movement ... meaning it'll keep one hip from being higher than the other when you turn.

Here are some YouTube videos on hawt HIP-HOP choreography with multiple turns. Note the placement of arms and feet and how they spot!!! Good luck!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4xBcwHY25as
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yuRdx00J92A

practice spotting and doing single piroettes, as soon as your balance gets better eventually move onto 2, then 3 and so on

PRACTICE!

Think about going up rather then around, my dance teacher always says

make sure to start with a good fourth or fifth position with a good plie, it will really help you start. Close your arms as you spin, it adds momentum, and as for spotting just practice moving turns and focus on one spot.

Also think up, and breath when you turn.

good luck!

just make sure to spot, keep your supporting leg straight, and pull up your stomach/chest. then GO FOR IT!!!

okay, make sure you start in fourth or fifth position (for beginners, fourth is easiest) and make sure your abs and ribs are pulled in like you just coughed. Spot something easy, like a picture or window, but never something in the mirror, because they move as you do. Spring up, and turn, but make sure your not using your arms to much, because you won't be able to do as many. Hold your arms rounded and close to your body, so they don't get in the way of your momentum. Whether you use turnout or not, make sure your leg is in passe and you are directly on the ball of your foot. Make sure you end correctly also, or you might fall over!
You should be doing quads in no time!

FIrst of all all you need to practice spotting your head. If you don't know what that is it is when you focus on one spot and then turn your head back around............. Quick. the first step is to plie(or bend your knees) When you come up pull your foot to your knee. then spot your head and pull in your arms in front of you to make an O. when you start to spin go onto demi point which means on the ball of your foot. You should do a pirouette. Also a big hint is to do it on wood floor so you actually spin. I have been doing dance for 13 years and I am just starting doubles so you should stick to singles but when you feel comfortable then you can go to doubles.