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What is a pencil turn in dance?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 19, 2026

Pencil turn – A turn performed in either direction on one toe while keep- ing the other leg very closely paralleled. Piqué – Pricked or pricking. Stepping directly onto the pointed leg (at the demi-point) while lifting the other leg to a variety of positions.

What does pencil turn mean in dance?

In dance, a soutenu turn is a turning motion which may rotate in ¼, ½ or whole turns. It is executed by stepping to 2nd position, pulling the other leg in to meet the first leg and the turn is done in releve with the body's weight shared equally by both feet. This turn is also known as a pencil turn.

What is a pencil turn in jazz?

Seen in high-energy jazz and Broadway routines, pencil turns (also called compass turns) are executed with the non-standing leg pointed down toward the floor, with the foot hovering off the ground as you turn.

What are the turns called in dance?

In ballet, a turn in the direction of the raised leg is said to be en dehors whereas a turn in the opposite direction is en dedans. In ballroom dancing, a natural turn is a clockwise revolution of dance partners around each other, and its mirrored counterpart is the counter-clockwise reverse turn.

What are the 7 movements of dance?

These are known as the seven movements in dancing. These are plier (to bend), etendre (to stretch), relever (to rise), sauter (to jump), tourner (to turn), glisser (to glide), and elancer (to dart).

31 related questions found

What is a forced arch in dance?

forced arch: Weightbearing position of the foot in which the heel is lifted and the knee is bent with extreme metatarsal dorsiflexion. Graham technique: A modern dance technique developed by Martha Graham, based on “contraction and release” as the motivation of all movement.

What is a pirouette turn?

pirouette, (French: “to whirl about”), ballet turn in place on one leg. The pirouette is often done in spectacular series, which women usually perform on toe (pointe) and men on the ball of the foot (demi-pointe).

What is a kick ball change?

Kick ball change is a dance move that consists of a kick followed by the ball change. Normally it uses a split-beat count: 1&2 or 1a2 and has a syncopated feeling, i.e., the accent of the motion is on "two". The move consists of three distinct actions and can be started with any foot.

What is Chaine turn?

Chaînés or “chaîné turns” is when a dancer is performing a series of turns on both feet, picking up each foot back and forth in order to keep moving in a line or circle. It could easily be considered one of the most basic turning step or exercise because chaînés or “chaîné turns” don't rely balancing on one leg.

What is a pivot turn in dance?

In dance, a pivot turn (or simply pivot) is a general classification for dance turns in which the performer's body rotates about its vertical axis without traveling. The performer may be supported by one or both feet, which swivel in place during the pivot turn.

What does Fan kick mean?

The fan kick is a popular contemporary dance extension that dancers use. To do it, you'll need to bring your leg up into the front, bend it over so that it reaches the side, and then bring your leg down and end in 3rd position.

What is the hardest ballet move?

En Pointe. The “en Pointe” technique in classical ballet is one of the most challenging to execute. In this move, a dancer has to support their entire bodyweight on their feet, which are fully extended.

How do you master fouettés?

One of the keys to perfect fouettés is great balance, something that's only achievable through practice. Green suggests practicing constantly, whether you're warming up before class or in line at Starbucks. Rise to relevé on one leg, focusing on holding the balance, with good turnout, for as long as you can.

Are fouettés hard?

To execute it, you must pass your working leg in front or behind of the body whilst spinning. A fouette is incredibly difficult to master and takes a huge amount of determination to learn.

What is jazz walk?

Jazz walk: Jazz walks are a stylish form of dance walking that use a tiptoeing step to turn the walk into a cat strut. Jazz walks are ways to transition from one movement to the next, or you can use them as a statement dance move on their own.

What is the Martha Graham technique?

Graham technique is a modern dance movement style and pedagogy created by American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham (1894–1991). Graham technique has been called the "cornerstone" of American modern dance, and has been taught worldwide.

What are the 10 basic dance moves?

10 Basic Dance Moves Anyone Can Learn

  • The Two-Step. ‍ ...
  • The Monestary. This move was born in a club called Monestary out in St. ...
  • Booty Pop (Side To Side) Like the Woah, this sexy move is super TikTok-friendly – but with more feminine energy. ...
  • The Billy Bounce. ...
  • The Woah. ...
  • The Dougie. ...
  • Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway. ...
  • The Bust Down.

What are the 11 body directions in ballet?

The Body Positions of Ballet

  • Croisé Devant / Croisé One of the most used positions in ballet. ...
  • À la Quatrième Devant / En Face. ...
  • Effacé Devant. ...
  • Écarté Devant. ...
  • À la Seconde / side. ...
  • Écarté Derrière / Devil Position. ...
  • Effacé Derrière. ...
  • À la Quatrième Derrière / Back.

What is a ballet step called?

A balancé in ballet is a step where a dancer moves while alternating balance between their feet. The rhythm is usually in three counts like a waltz and has the motion of going “down, up, down” with their legs. Typically a dancer starts in a fifth or “b-plus” position (the front foot straight and back leg... Learn more.

How do you do a second turn in dance?

Have strong, straight arms too.
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How to Improve A La Seconde Turns

  1. Start your prep in a turned out prep.
  2. Deep plié so your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
  3. Engage your abs.
  4. Swivel your arms and turn.
  5. Left heel comes up just a little bit but keep your base leg in plié.
  6. Stop to the front, left corner.