Turn (dance and gymnastics)

Spotting is a technique that is often used when executing turns, in which a performer executes a periodic, rapid rotation of the head that serves to fix the performer's gaze on a single spot, thus giving the impression that the head is always facing forward.

An axel is a turn in which the performer leaps into the air and, while airborne, tucks both legs underneath and rotates.

It is commonly performed in jazz dance and is often immediately preceded by a chaînés in a deep plié (bend of the knees).

Chaînés (French, meaning "chain") is a type of two-step turn that is executed repeatedly while the performer travels along a line or curved (often circular or elliptical) path.

As this happens, the arms are brought together away from the chest and spotting technique is employed so that the dancer's head faces the direction of travel as much as possible.

At the same time, the supporting foot transitions to relevé (heel raised), in ballet often rising to en pointe (on toe tips).

These movements create the angular momentum needed for one turn, which is executed by rotating in place on the supporting foot.

In classical ballet, particular significance is attached to the successful completion of 32 consecutive fouettés, a feat first performed publicly by Italian ballerina Pierina Legnani in 1893 and since incorporated into the grand pas of Swan Lake and other 20th-century ballets.

[5] Jeanne Devereaux, an American prima ballerina in the first half of the 20th century, held the world record of 16 triple fouettés (48 total).

A piqué turn is begun by stepping directly onto the ball of a relevé (or en pointe) foot, followed by a complete rotation while supported by the relevé (or en pointe) foot before returning to plié position.

Pirouettes may be executed singly or in multiple rotations; the latter is commonly performed in the adagio part of a grand pas de deux.