Pirouette a la seconde

A pirouette à la seconde is a turn performed with the working leg extended out to the side in second position, rather than pulled in to the knee. The term combines pirouette, meaning “turn,” with à la seconde, meaning “to the second position.” Instead of the compact shape of a normal pirouette, the dancer spins with one leg lifted and open to the side, which makes it a bold and demanding version of the turn.

How the Turn Works

The dancer rises onto the supporting leg, usually on demi-pointe, while the working leg extends to second position at hip height. From there the dancer turns, keeping the extended leg lifted and steady throughout the rotation. Holding the leg out to the side raises the center of the turn and asks for strong control, so the dancer must keep the hips level and the torso lifted while spotting the head to stay oriented. Turning à la seconde takes real balance and strength to maintain the extension as the body rotates.

Where You See It

Pirouettes à la seconde are especially known in male variations, where a dancer may perform a series of them in a row as a showpiece of strength and control. They also appear in the classical repertoire and in advanced class combinations. Because the leg stays extended, this pirouette builds the balance and turning power that dancers need for more difficult turning sequences, and it is a step dancers approach after mastering standard pirouettes.