fuette

Fuette, also known as the ballet term "fouetté," is a ballet movement characterized by a whipping action of the leg. This term is of French origin and translates to "whipped." The most common and recognizable form is the fouetté en tournant, which translates to "whipped in turning." In this variation, the dancer performs a series of turns on one leg while the other leg whips out and in, assisting in the momentum and maintaining balance. The precise execution involves the working leg extending to the side (or another position) and then sharply pulling back in to a retiré position, with the foot placed at or above the knee. This whipping motion is crucial for the dancer to generate the rotational energy needed for multiple turns.

The fouetté en tournant is famously associated with the role of Odile in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, where the character performs 32 such turns. This demanding sequence has become a benchmark of technical prowess for ballerinas. While the classic fouetté involves a specific sequence of leg movements and body posture, variations exist in different ballets and choreographic styles. The ability to execute multiple fouetté turns requires significant strength, control, coordination, and stamina, making it a challenging yet visually striking element of classical ballet technique. It is often taught in advanced ballet training and is a staple in the repertoire of professional ballet companies.