Ballet Term
Gargouillade
A Gargouillade is performed by ballet dancers by degagering on a single leg to the side, then performing a rond de jambe with that same leg, while pushing from the floor with the other leg, and doing a rond de jambe with that leg.
A gargouillade is one of ballet’s fancy showpiece jumps, a whirling step usually danced by women that packs two circling leg movements into a single spring. Its name is sometimes linked to the idea of bubbling or gurgling, which fits the busy, decorative quality of the step.
How the step is built
The dancer begins by dégagéing on a single leg to the side, then draws a rond de jambe with that same leg. At the same time she pushes off the floor with the other leg and performs a rond de jambe with that leg too. So while the body is in the air, both legs circle, one after the other or nearly together, before the dancer lands. Because two legs are doing rond de jambe within one jump, it is often described as a doubled or more elaborate cousin of the pas de chat.
This makes gargouillade a genuinely advanced step. It asks for a strong jump, fast and clearly shaped circling of both legs, pointed feet throughout, and a soft, controlled landing. Every part has to happen quickly while the dancer is off the ground.
Where you will see it
Because it is so intricate, gargouillade appears in demanding solo variations where a dancer wants to show off quick, decorative footwork. One well-known example is the Kitri variation from Don Quixote. The exact look can vary a little between schools and stagings, but the heart of it is always the same: two circling legs inside one lively jump.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a gargouillade special?
Both legs perform a rond de jambe within a single jump. This double circling of the legs is what sets it apart and makes it one of ballet's more intricate showpiece steps.
How is a gargouillade related to a pas de chat?
It is often described as a more elaborate version of the pas de chat, since both are springing steps to the side, but the gargouillade adds a rond de jambe with each leg.
Is gargouillade a hard step?
Yes. It is an advanced step that needs a strong jump, quick and clearly shaped circling of both legs, pointed feet, and a controlled landing, all in one spring.