Centre 3 - Pirouettes

Description of elements of a typical combination:

  • “Pirouettes are revolutions of the body on the ball of one foot or on the tip of one point shoe, with the other leg usually in the passé position” (Cavalli 2001, p. 115).

  • Typical steps in this combination include

  • Tendu

  • Pas de bourée

  • Chassé

  • Plié

  • Pirouette

Meter

triple (3/4)

Tempo

moderate: 64 bpm per "count"

Accentuations

  • Very firm rhythmic structure

  • Cavalli (2001) suggests the following for the use of a crescendo: “A crescendo on the demi-plié preparation before pirouettes not only reflects the verticality of the turning position but also reminds dancers that sneaking gently up to demi-pointe will never provide enough impetus to go around more than once” (p. 115)

Example of Teacher Demonstrating a Pirouettes Combination:

Cues from teacher's demonstration:

  • Needs a clear triple meter with the emphasis on “1”

  • Moderate tempo

  • A mazurka could work

Music Selected: Maria Szymanowska, Quadrille, No. 16 from 18 Dances

PDF of Original

C03_Original_No. 16 Quadrille from 18 Dances_Szymanowska.pdf

PDF of Arranged Score

Centre03_Pirouettes_Quadrille No16_Szymanowska10.22.22.pdf

Changes made in arranged score:

  • I added a four-bar introduction.

  • One wonderful thing about this composition (as it is), there are four sets of repeats for a long combination/multiple groups of dancers.


Videos of Dancers performing combination with selected music: