Which sequence best describes preparation for a pirouette from retiré?

Which sequence best describes preparation for a pirouette from retiré?

• A. Stand tall, close the eyes, spin
• B. Initiate with a deep knee bend before retiré
• C. Rebalance, bring the leg into retiré, engage the core, push from the standing leg, and spot
• D. Push from the standing leg first, then rebalance

Answer: (C)

Balancing well on the supporting leg and positioning the working leg into retiré with controlled turnout sets up a clean pirouette from retiré. Start by rebalancing so the weight is centered over the standing foot, then lift the other leg into retiré with turnout and a stable pelvis. Keep the torso engaged to hold alignment and prevent wobble. Once these elements are in place, push off from the standing leg to initiate rotation, maintaining turnout and a steady gaze on a spot to fix your view as you turn. This sequence—rebalance, rise into retiré, torso control, push to turn, and spotting—gives you the necessary balance, alignment, and control. The other options skip or misorder essential steps: closing the eyes eliminates spotting; a deep knee bend before retiré disrupts alignment; and pushing first without rebalancing risks losing balance mid-turn.

Balancing well on the supporting leg and positioning the working leg into retiré with controlled turnout sets up a clean pirouette from retiré. Start by rebalancing so the weight is centered over the standing foot, then lift the other leg into retiré with turnout and a stable pelvis. Keep the torso engaged to hold alignment and prevent wobble. Once these elements are in place, push off from the standing leg to initiate rotation, maintaining turnout and a steady gaze on a spot to fix your view as you turn. This sequence—rebalance, rise into retiré, torso control, push to turn, and spotting—gives you the necessary balance, alignment, and control. The other options skip or misorder essential steps: closing the eyes eliminates spotting; a deep knee bend before retiré disrupts alignment; and pushing first without rebalancing risks losing balance mid-turn.