Chaînés

Chaînés means “chains” or “links,” and the step is a fast series of turns that link together in a continuous line, usually traveling straight across the floor or in a circle. Unlike a pirouette on one leg, chaînés turns are done on two feet, with the dancer stepping quickly from foot to foot so the turns flow one into the next like links in a chain.

How it is performed

The dancer works on a high demi-pointe or on pointe with the legs held tightly together, almost as if they were one leg. Each half-turn is made by stepping onto one foot, then the other, keeping the feet close and the turnout engaged. The arms usually stay rounded and close to the body to help the turns move quickly, and the whole series travels in one direction along a line or arc. Because the feet stay so close, the momentum passes smoothly from one step to the next.

The role of spotting

Spotting is what keeps chaînés from making a dancer dizzy and what keeps the line traveling straight. The dancer picks a single point in the direction of travel, keeps the eyes on it as long as possible, then whips the head around to find it again with each turn. Sharp, consistent spotting is the difference between clean, controlled chaînés and a blurry, drifting series.

Common mistakes

The most frequent problems are letting the feet drift apart, which slows the turns and loses control, and failing to spot, which leads to dizziness and a wandering path. Dancers also tend to let the arms fly open, which throws off the balance. Keeping the legs tight, the core lifted, and the head spotting cleanly keeps the chain fast and straight.