Fouette

/fweɪ/ noun

Definition

A ballet movement in which a dancer performs multiple rotations on one leg while whipping the other leg around in a circular motion.

Etymology

From French 'fouetté' (whipped), the past participle of 'fouetter' (to whip). Borrowed directly into English ballet vocabulary from French. Describes the whipping action of the free leg.

Kelly Says

When Misty Copeland or other elite dancers execute 32 fouettés perfectly, they're literally spinning like a human top for over a minute—the centrifugal force keeps them balanced while the whipping leg maintains momentum!

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