How to Pirouette in Jazz Funk Dancing

A pirouette is a turn on one leg in dance, whether it be ballet, jazz, funk or breakdancing. Basically jazz funk is using classic jazz moves and spicing them up with a little hip hop. The steps below will teach you how to do a 4-count pirouette and add some funk to it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Do a Pirouette

1. Turn on your right leg by stepping out on "1" with your left leg and bring both arms straight out to the side.

2. Step back on "2" with your left leg, bring your left arm directly out in front and bend the knees in plie. Balance your weight on your right foot.

3. Pull your left knee up bringing the left foot up to the side of the right knee and turn on your right foot counter clockwise, on the "3" count. When you turn, both arms will come together in front of you. Keep your elbows lifted like you're resting them on a table.

4. Choose a spot and keep your eyes on the targeted spot as long as you can during the pirouette. When you can no longer see the spot, whip your head around to see the spot again. This keeps you from getting dizzy and losing your balance when turning.

5. Land with your foot down on "4," stopping your turn in the same position where it began.

Add Some Funk

6. Step out with a hip rock on "1" and back together on "2." Instead of classic jazz arms, here you can add a shoulder shrug up and down on "1" and "2."

7. Step back on "3," set up for your turn and pirouette on "4."

8. End your turn by jumping out with both feet and add a few hip rolls going left, right, left-left. Pump your arms with your hip rolls. When you roll to the left, pump your right arm, roll to the right, pump the left arm.

9. Add your own style to the pirouette.