How would you link retiré to développé and then prepare for a pirouette?

• A. Reach retiré, smooth into développé, then align for pirouette with proper spotting and a tight passe.
• B. Jump into pirouette immediately with no preparation.
• C. Move to a high développé, then lower.
• D. Withdraw from retiré to passé.

Answer: (A)

Linking retiré into développé and then preparing for a pirouette is about creating a smooth, continuous line and a solid, ready position for rotation. Start by reaching into retiré so the knee lifts to the correct height and the turnout remains strong and stable. From there, unfold into développé with control, keeping the pelvis level, the supporting leg rooted, and the working leg fully turned out as it extends. This transition isn’t about rushing into a spin; it’s about maintaining balance, alignment, and clean leg lines so the body remains centered.

As soon as the leg is extended, set up the pirouette by aligning the hips and spine, choosing a reference line, and tightening the nerve of the movement into a tight passé for the supporting knee. Spotting is essential here: steady the head and whip the gaze to a fixed spot to help maintain balance and control through the turn. The idea is that the preparation feels like one fluid motion, with the working leg in a secure passé and the weight stacked over the supporting leg.

That makes option work best because it emphasizes a deliberate, connected sequence rather than a jump or a misaligned repositioning. Rushing into the spin, jumping directly into the pirouette, or altering the path by moving to a high développé and lowering, would disrupt balance and the clean alignment required for a successful turn. With clear linkage from retiré to développé and a precise, spotted, tight passé, the dancer has a stable axis and good technique for the pirouette.