Ballet Term
Piqué Tour
a Piqué tour or Piqué turn, is a common step done by female ballet dancers. A ballerina doing a Piqué turn will step directly on to full point or a high demi-pointe right as they begin to turn onto that same leg.
A piqué tour, also called a piqué turn, is a turn where the dancer steps directly onto a straight, rising leg and turns on it. Piqué means pricked or pricking, describing the sharp, direct step onto the ball of the foot or full pointe. Piqué turns are a signature step, often danced in a traveling line or a circle across the stage.
How it is performed
From a small preparation, the dancer steps out onto the working leg, rising straight up onto demi-pointe or full pointe as they arrive, and turns on that single leg. The other leg pulls in quickly to a position at the knee (retiré). There is no plié on the turning leg once you arrive. The arms open and close to help the turn, and the head spots to keep the dancer oriented and to prevent dizziness.
Common mistakes
- Bending the turning leg instead of stepping onto a straight, lifted leg
- Failing to spot the head, which causes wobbling and dizziness
- Traveling off the line because the step goes sideways instead of out
- Letting the retiré foot drop below the knee
Tips for beginners
Practice the step onto a straight leg first, without the full turn, so you trust landing on a strong supporting side. Then add spotting, choosing one point to snap your eyes back to on every turn. Clean, controlled single turns build the strength and confidence for the fast piqué sequences you will dance later.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a piqué turn?
It is a turn where the dancer steps directly onto a straight, rising leg on demi-pointe or full pointe and turns, with the other foot pulled up to the knee.
How do you keep from getting dizzy during piqué turns?
By spotting, which means snapping the head around to focus on one fixed point on each turn.
Do you plié on the turning leg in a piqué turn?
No. You step onto a straight, lifted leg and turn on it, without bending the supporting knee once you arrive.