How To Pirouette

Learn how to pirouette with Alexandra Macdonald, the first soloist of the National Ballet of Canada.
»Subscribe to CBC Arts to watch more videos: bit.ly/CBCArtsS...
Alexandra Macdonald is the Snow Queen in the National Ballet's The Nutcracker. She shows CBC Arts how to pirouette. Give it a spin!
#dance
Find us at bit.ly/CBCArtsWeb
CBC Arts on Facebook: bit.ly/CBCArtsF...
CBC Arts on Twitter: bit.ly/CBCArtsT...
CBC Arts on Instagram: bit.ly/CBCArtsI...
About: CBC Arts is your destination for extraordinary Canadian arts. Whether you're a culture vulture, a working artist, an avid crafter, a compulsive doodler or just a dabbler in the arts, there's something for you here.
How To Pirouette
/ cbcarts

[@coashddjj2]

I'm not a ballerina, but this was so pretty and interesting to watch ☺

[@wrist8081]

coashddjj2 same

[@vivianyu9478]

coashddjj2 same

[@Jabcat-ov7ln]

I am... I knew all of this

[@scp--297]

coashddjj2 Same.

[@Calzonuda]

coashddjj2 same

[@ghin1905]

her thighs are probably stronger than my entire body

[@abbywalden8168]

Its more ankle strength than thigh

[@wintrysnowflake5215]

One of her calves is prob stronger than two of my entire body

[@urlocalshinnie_4969]

Yup, i am a dancer and tho i dont do on pointe i do on demi point so i know how it feels.

[@TCB_Aries]

@@urlocalshinnie_4969 that literally had nothing to do with the comment-

[@peggy2983]

It's a bit more of ankle strength than leg strength. You probably won't be able to put yourself up on pointe that easily if you have sloppy and sickling ankles.

[@joll899]

What am I doing. I don't need to learn how to do a pirouette. I can't even dance. I have an essay due tomorrow

[@stella1678]

haha same here 😂

[@cozyybelle]

Josh Rose mood 😂

[@_alicia__]

aYYY SAME

[@savannah6377]

Same 😭 only I have two essays due

[@saraaghbal1061]

I fucking love you

[@mannatkaur9530]

DISCLAIMER: As a ballet dancer, you will definitely not get this ballet step in a minute. It takes time, patience, and practice. So, you GOT THIS!! Keep going

[@Cheerleader644860]

I got it in a minute.

[@lanaaddict3799]

@@Cheerleader644860she meant you won’t get it perfectly in a minute

[@Honestlycurls]

Been dancing for 15 years, still scares me I’ll get on my box wrong and twist my ankle.😭

[@r.durante528]

Takes time. Try about 8 years of classes four times a week starting at age 4.

[@didinos665]

I have never been able to do ballet. My hips arent good and I don’t know how to say it in english, but I was never allowed to do ballet because there,would be a chance I had to be in a weelchair later. Since a month ago I started looking up how to do these kind of things myself without hurting myself. This really helped, and although I probably fail at it, I feel elegant and it really touches me. Ballet is beautiful, and you are beautiful too.

[@thechallengechannel6803]

I’m sorry that you can’t do ballet but I bet you look amazing and I KNOW one da, you will do that turn perfectly

[@ratchild2732]

200th like. This is so true, I completely understand u.

[@blah7983]

Try an adult beginner ballet class, they are usually tame enough where you could do it.

[@stevanpap2154]

My eyes started tearing because I quit ballet class, and inside me I know you will never do that. I was having a chance ...

[@holysquishy9652]

DaantjeDraws Sorry but No Pain No gain. If you done so , you should be carefull for the risk and train much

[@bell5840]

When the person you're in love walks in front of you: *1:12*

[@shirazummunira7863]

😂😂😂

[@itsclairesubliminals99]

HAHAHAHA

[@adslin1499]

Lol

[@Kiwi-rm5qf]

LMAOOOO

[@adventuresinjujuroom8217]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@justsomeone1757]

Ballet requirements: be extremely elegant and feminine while also being stronger than half of the population

[@blacksand8427]

Accurate

[@lauscardi7007]

I laughed so hard because it’s so damn true XD

[@alyssamitchell6490]

She makes it look so easy and I’m over here stumbling around doing mine 😂

[@liangailm.ilagan4153]

Boys can do ballet as well and some are pretty good-

[@aliceimwunderland652]

@@liangailm.ilagan4153 yess but they didn't say be a female haha no matter wich gender, to do ballet you need to be very elegant and most ballet dncers are pretty feminine

[@ponybliss]

she is so elegant ♡

[@RenataRochaNat]

Her feet are incredible. I'm just annoyed they choose the Dance of the Reed Flutes for a Snow Queen.

[@alanisborrero6423]

I have the same feet of her ,but she is so amazing

[@ArcticMRomancePanicFallout]

Renata R hey I like that song

[@gnosis2871]

m w Lmao its called both sometimes

[@jadynbonewitz]

SAME

[@jadynbonewitz]

m w no its called different things at different companies

[@luvgalore320]

Them: Just dress casual Me:

[@rey-4521]

Is it just me or that spotting is extremely difficult?😅

[@sophie.s2122]

It is butt if you do a lot of pirouettes (i dont know how you write it sorry 😳) it helps for getting les dizzy

[@seonghyunae]

Omg I've been doing ballet for almost 12 years and I still suck at spotting 😂😂😂

[@xyzszhang_4088]

If you do it for long enough, it will eventually get easier (as for most things)

[@danyzamora6646]

I’m a ballerina and I still loose my spot😄you are not alone🙂

[@kenzizi1758]

I’m a ballerina, and I loose spot sometimes too 😂

[@poly_hexamethyl]

I love how her balance and technique is so good that she can also make it look so effortless, artistic and elegant.

[@magnus8764]

When you dont even know ballet and dont know anything at all and still watching this 😂😂

[@dptlsldk9186]

Yep.😂

[@rosauradiaz9842]

Yo! 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@insharhmn]

🤣😗😊😙🤩😘😍

[@someone__au]

I do ballet 🩰

[@adslin1499]

AYY

[@DehydratedLisa]

Me:* gets inspired by video * Me: * puts gaming chair in the middle of the room * Me: * sits on it crisscross then puts one foot on the floor starts to spin magically * Me: * doing a pirouette *

[@dptlsldk9186]

👏👏👏👏👏BEAUTIFUL. STUNNING. AMAZING. SUCH A MASTERPIECE.👏👏👏👏👏 **Sheds tears**

[@Zeelovesdinos]

BOOTIFUL BRAVO GO TO AMERICA GOT TALENT *CHEARS*

[@160.radhikaroy2]

You drew a circle too congrats!!! *puffs up chest out of pride*

[@lilyabbas2640]

Simon: **golden buzzer!!!!!!!!**

[@TishaB_002]

@GachaRis Okay Today I believe the fact that bts armys are everywhere lol 😂😂😂...who is your bias btw?? Mine is Jin😊😊

[@danuhhh]

Instructions not clear enough, broke my neck

[@fellowhuman7585]

Then how are you commenting?

[@mushlemon8674]

Juicy Panpan oh mah

[@nagitokomaeda8056]

@Gaming With Me No shit Sherlock...

[@ok-kv3ml]

Ballet Dancer bruh

[@ok-kv3ml]

Gaming With Me bruuuuuh

[@angiecho9234]

Finally! A human professional ballet dancer that’s a lefty. My goodness

[@Alexandra-gv9bo]

Im stuck at the first step = warm your feet 😂

[@wingardiumlachancla9078]

Alexandra : because by doing it, you prepare your feet for the intense effort they will need to provide as they will be the main body parts that help you accomplish a pirouette. If you don't, you will have cramps.

[@3eeey1267]

😂😂😂😂

[@sarahandmia211]

You don't have to do it on pointe you just go on your tippy toes if your not on pointe

[@pixi_dvst921]

Put them by a heater .-.

[@m.p.kolambkar6290]

@Kaydence Danielle lmao

[@charlessanders1342]

She is very beautiful in her ballet attire. That is amazing how they can stand on there toes and put there legs way up high..much respect for ballet dancers.

[@aurorarubino3064]

* tries to do it, falls on face*

[@classicheraldgameplays5364]

😂😂😂😂

[@JC-ns1tq]

Aurora Rubino I fell too and busted my lip

[@nyasia.i9350]

@@JC-ns1tq how do you let that happen I- do you just “🩰❗️😲💨……………….💥” 😭

[@joehisel5966]

My 4 year old Ellie May is starting her second month of dance classes. I showed her this video and she has spent the past 20 minutes watching it and practicing. Thank you for helping create what is already one of the most cherished memories of my life!

[@leylarustamova]

When I was little (I was a dancer but not a ballerina) we did do some ballet workouts and stretches, but I always loved doing pique turns. And my whole life I though they were pirouettes. I just recently found out that they in fact, were pique turns😂

[@yesikanarvaez5027]

Why was this on my recommendation list? I can't even stand on my toes without falling down

[@dptlsldk9186]

Me too!

[@mallorymallory1518]

Yesika Narvaez you must not stand on your toes lol. There are special shoes, called pointes, to do that. Like the shoes in the video. You can only stand on the ball of your foot

[@amandao.7705]

It’s called years of training

[@caitlinlucas1400]

Yesika Narvaez Rey on Demi reve that’s what I do!

[@kat-2point0]

I know how hard this is to do, but she makes it looks so easy! That’s what I love about ballet.

[@dumbplings550]

All I can say is… Goodbye Toes and Feet👋🏻👋

[@yuukihikari9082]

0% interest in ballet and I'm still watching because she is elegant 🤩🤩

[@teetaa7486]

She is just so BEAUTIFUL

[@madcyclist58]

But what force is used to generate the momentum?

[@azureedits2326]

Your arm and back, + spotting of the head

[@meowool]

It's not the using your arms to turn principally - it's how deep your plié (bending the knees) is and how 'up' you go than round. You can do piroettes from any position - fifth/third and forth are the most common and then there are also piroettes from second. (You can do them from first but as used with kids that are beginning that have learnt other positions by the time they learn how to piroette.)

[@jeanienguyen1543]

think of "throwing back" your right shoulder that helps some people but honestly practice just helps some. just try to not wind up your arms because it's not classical/ballet but it is more commonly seen in jazz styles so if it helps at first then it's fine

[@momentarilylapse]

It comes from the plie (the bend in the knees) combined with that twisting action you see at 1:23 and the opening/closing of the arms. When you start out in ballet, you practice just springing up to passe without turning, and then quarter turns, half turns, etc. If you try it that way, you can sort of get a feel for where the turning motion comes from.

[@DancingDeity]

The 'plié' and the right arm (if she's turning right/left arm when turning left).

[@sherryxu5857]

Her voice is so soothing

[@MeowGF.]

Wish i had the chance to practice ballet when i was young. You girls are so elegant and graceful. 💕

[@Spillthetea19_99]

As a former dancer I approve! I inured my knee and can no longer dance. And this just warms my heart ❤️ I hope to one day dance again

[@lorenarizo2610]

I love how the human body can do such beautifull things like ballet

[@tarathelen9844]

She's so pretty and graceful

[@Retroglamamour]

Dance of the Snowflakes is my favourite part of the Nutcracker performance of the National Ballet of Canada. The Snow Queen is majestic 😍

[@mikun0562]

Wow, she's so graceful

[@heheh4131]

Damn i used to watch this video everyday and tryna learn it When i did it İt felt so good But sadly i had to stop dancing bc of school My parents didnt lemme to dance when i started studying in middle school And now i regret it And u İf ur planning to give up Plz dont U came so far if ur watching this video Trust me İ trust u

[@ashishsethi7276]

The same story😐

[@longlasthappiness68]

She's sooo beautiful like a fairy princess. Not kidding. She's beautiful

[@Luis-yx1xi]

So gracious and beautiful. And she explains it like it's so easy.

[@csmics.b1775]

Wow! She is perfect!!!!! Beautiful! 💖🌹💖

[@wildjackle1707]

Lesson First step: warm up Me: * run to get blankets and a heater *

[@heretic3334]

That costume is frickin gorgeous! 🤩

[@naviahbaker9056]

I just got my first pointe shoes and this really helped. Thanks! ❤️... I got Clara for my nutcracker.... Yayyyy

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Thanks. Lovely dancer. Beautiful piruetas.

[@lisadeka7417]

U r truly snow Queen😍

[@けむり-j5p]

her costumes...so adorable

[@ouchsp]

Very nice lesson. Easy to follow and understand. I would like to see how it would be done by the "average" dancer who is not on Pointe. Thank you!

[@anishagadre9608]

Susan Patterson the average dancer is en pointe

[@roku5071]

@@anishagadre9608, the average dancer doesn't start out en pointe. They learn the basics and the moves and after much practice with ballet slippers they can advance to en pointe.

[@virginiapearson6518]

@@roku5071 But most dancers do pointe.

[@ashimochi]

It's the same but without the pointes anyways

[@chrognos]

If you mean average ballet dancers, they are en pointe. If you mean average ballet students, they are also en pointe. If you mean average starting young students, they are still trying to learn how to pirouette. If you meant average dancer, there are a lot of different styles and that’s not specific enough.

[@pikopiko6673]

Ngl Everything about ballet is so perfect and clean!!

[@reisbae8692]

No one: Literally no one: KZbin: how to do a pirouette

[@ella-zz9pi]

she makes it look so effortless

[@Sheisdanielafernandez]

beautiful

[@davidperreaux1348]

That outfit is spectacular.

[@nobody.2434]

When she did the warm up position I remembered our p.e teacher always telling us to do that everyday before class. I didn't know our teacher is trying to teach us ballet ;-;

[@elizabelthe]

that costume is just beautiful

[@uorinami5345]

Me:Oh,I surely can do this! 5 hours later at the hospital Me: >:(

[@asylaji]

She is so graceful 😯

[@JadeLwoj]

.....*Having flashbacks of ballet lessons as a kid* *Super effective! 1-Hit KO!*

[@mimisvlogs2063]

She's so good at balance!!!

[@nateriver6171]

How does one stand on their toe omg😭😭 so much respect for them!

[@yennikasim7390]

Excersice with tears n, literally, with blood. I dance for 15 years

[@julialopez5997]

LIVING for the outfit

[@uwldluvme21]

Beautiful.

[@julianapavez]

she's like an angel

[@ginger-peachymochi6450]

I don't know how I end up here but Wow this is so pretty !

[@Jessica-pd6in]

I’ve having ballet for 3 years now and i just know this last year and keep watching it

[@strxberii_milk1096]

Everyone not focusing on the lesson and instead her crown-

[@jeremymoon2]

Alexandra McDonald looks amazing wearing a snow queen ballerina outfit and she is so stunning and being beautiful good luck on your performance Alexandra

[@verapalavecino1735]

WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT HOW HER TUTU LOOKS LIKE SNOW FALLING IN SLOW MOTION OMGG

[@isabellam1936]

The way she holds her hands at 1:02 is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

[@plaguerat5119]

This helps me alot im playing Clara in the nut cracker 😁

[@dlee5473]

Emily The rat your playing Clara in the nutcracker? Is learning the coriography hard?

[@dankestofthedanks1754]

Congrats!!!🎉🎄

[@Pony_Erik]

I'm friitz in the nutcracker in redwood city at fox theatere

[@lee-rs2ni]

Emily The rat iS THAT LIN MANUEL MIRANDA--

[@beatrixkaltenbach2468]

Emily The rat me too😅

[@reinafarias5064]

I’ll never have her class, elegance or grace. I’ll never hav that mesmerizing face. Never never never, I wish I were Heather ❤️

[@hminchyu2142]

Her : standing on her toe *not shaking* Me : standing on two feet *shaking like the teacher is about o to punch you*

[@ellieyk]

There’s a block in the shoe…

[@itz_shayla6420]

me too lol hahah

[@francisramirez9066]

This is so beautifull to see! Perfect perfect perfect! Excelent!!!

[@marinapaz9004]

I love this video ❤️

[@teetaa7486]

THATS WHY I LOVE BALLET

[@oliviadomar2429]

They should make clear pointe shoes for tutorials 😍😍

[@justkiddingitsmehillary8836]

Olivia Domar no.

[@virginiapearson6518]

That wouldn't work, because pointe shoes are basically made of glue, fabric, and leather

[@elizabethsanchez5868]

Omg clear point shoes would be so cool tho everyone would see the blisters ballerinas get while on pointe

[@chrognos]

Toe pads would cover everything up anyway. We plus toe tape and spacers etc.

[@mcwooley]

I really like the spotting part, that helps me not get dizzy

[@carmengarcia6921]

Why did I spend 2 minutes watching a video on how to do something I already know how to do 😅 lovely execution though 💓

[@skytheangel6457]

Carmen Garcia same lmao

[@abimelendez5254]

Actually me

[@sallylemon5835]

her clothes makeup accessories maybe

[@katelynthyme7912]

carmen garcia same

[@InesaArutyunyan]

Me too!! Haha

[@Sb-tg3zy]

She taught the dance in steps I could not even do the warmup exercise in 0:25. cause i know nothing about ballet and yet watched it for 2 mins cause it was in my recommendations😁😁

[@小豆-i3j]

すっごく綺麗

[@estrelladelamanana724]

Alexandra is just a poem! Ethereal

[@aliciapanzer2970]

You missed the part about your back, arms, hips, and coming down.

[@cathyberry9793]

67 years old, recovering from foot/tendon surgery, can barely walk, and am STILL am intrigued with this graceful dancer’s pirouette, thinking, “Ooh! Maybe I could learn to do that.” 😉

[@mirceasidea7682]

She looks like an older version of Anna McNulty!

[@nowtonmyy7667]

I know right!

[@itsjusthouda6543]

NO WAY!!! I SEE IT OMFG

[@pushpanjalisharma1751]

EXACTLY

[@rayu500]

The costume is so beautiful 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌

[@debbiebowe5101]

On the outside : happy and smiling On the inside : my feet hurt and this to to is itchy! Lol

[@sarawhitehorse407]

Thanks for the clear definition. Very nice studio! I love it, and your costume lol.

[@Kat-fb9er]

only if it was this easy...😭😥😪 i can just do 2 pirouettes.. 😕

[@bananagirl4547]

Katherine Taylor you just need to practice i can do 5 in a row now

[@umok3051]

Katherine Taylor same 😂

[@casshews]

Meh too.

[@merrymaurader8283]

Katherine Taylor I can barley do 3 pirouettes on releve and btw I did 4 for the first time today but my arms and back were screwed up

[@socorrabowen8813]

I can finally do 6 pirouettes in a row I'm so proud of myself!

[@Precielle]

she makes it looks so easy

[@sysyayllon5974]

There's the translation of the video in Spanish to all Spanish speakers. Yo soy Alexandra McDonald. Y yo soy el primer solo en el ballet nacional de Canadá. En esta sesión estaré interpretando el papel de la reina de la nieve en el cascanueces; y hoy les mostrare como hacer piruetas. Primer paso: Debo hacer unos ejercicios de calentamiento en mis pies, asi que hare algunos relevés. Segundo paso : Vas a prepararte para la cuarta posición. Yo preferiría tener el 80% de mi peso en mi pierna delantera y el 25% de mi peso que este en mi pierna trasera. Tercer paso: Vas a hacer un relevé con tu pierna delantera mientras levantas tu pierna trasera haciendo un Pasee; poniendo ambas manos en la primera posición. Cuarto paso: Escoge un punto en tu pared para verlo mientras giras; eso se llama Punteo. Durante tu pirueta debes mirar al lugar que escogiste, gira tu cabeza y al final debes volver a mirar al lugar que escogiste El paso final es hacer todos los pasos juntos y con suerte obtendrás una pirueta. Ahora que lo has comprendido, repitelo.

[@dearmaria4654]

Her neck on spotting... I can't do anything she did here but I like everything ballet! 💕

[@Vianarts.]

Dude i cant even turn around without tripping over my own leg

[@galacticbutterfly5590]

Ballet is just so inspiring

[@MaddieFishblob]

HOW DOES SHE TURN WITH THOSE DANGLY SHINY EARINGS?! 🤔😳👌

[@marinellediaz7260]

Sgf

[@francisramirez9066]

Perfect and beautifull!! It is so nice! Wonderfull

[@nurulaina9739]

Love the costume tho

[@karykares]

So pretty and elegant! She looks like a figurine on a jewelry box.

[@loves.7143]

Watching this makes me realise how 'untalented' I am....

[@marisollimon4396]

Oh I love the ballet!! 😄☺️😊😊🎶🌌✨✨⭐️⭐️

[@raliixaviero4674]

This makes me feel insignificant

[@jeremymoon1]

Alexandra McDonald it such a beautiful ballerina and doing a pirouette looks really good ma'am

[@TheStepmonkey]

1:12 That scared me...

[@m.x.b.9949]

Love that she explains how to do a pirouette in a full on costume.