In a pirouette, which statement best describes the movement of the head?

In a pirouette, which statement best describes the movement of the head?

• A. The head stays perfectly still throughout.
• B. The head moves twice during the turn.
• C. The head is the last to leave and the first to arrive.
• D. The head leads the turn and arrives first.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining balance in a pirouette comes from a steady head and a fixed gaze. In Cecchetti practice, the head stays aligned with the spine and keeps spotting a single point as you rotate. The turn unfolds with the rest of the body moving around that stable axis, so the head is kept in position until the spin winds down. When you exit the turn, the head reorients first to face the new direction, helping you land cleanly and be ready for the next movement. This timing—being last to leave the turn and first to arrive—provides stability and clear alignment. The head staying perfectly still throughout, moving twice during the turn, or leading the turn would disrupt balance and spotting.

Maintaining balance in a pirouette comes from a steady head and a fixed gaze. In Cecchetti practice, the head stays aligned with the spine and keeps spotting a single point as you rotate. The turn unfolds with the rest of the body moving around that stable axis, so the head is kept in position until the spin winds down. When you exit the turn, the head reorients first to face the new direction, helping you land cleanly and be ready for the next movement. This timing—being last to leave the turn and first to arrive—provides stability and clear alignment. The head staying perfectly still throughout, moving twice during the turn, or leading the turn would disrupt balance and spotting.