The Science of Pirouettes

Have you ever watched a ballerina perform a flawless pirouette and wondered how it’s even possible? In this episode, we break down the fascinating physics behind ballet turns... from angular momentum and torque to spotting, balance, friction, and fouettés.

You’ll learn how dancers use the same physical principles that govern figure skaters, tornadoes, and spinning planets to create speed, control, and stability during turns. From the initial push-off to the iconic passé position, every pirouette is a masterclass in biomechanics and physics.

Topics Covered:

Angular Momentum
Moment of Inertia
Torque & Push-Off Mechanics
Spotting & Balance
Friction & Fouettés
Why Dancers Pull Their Arms In During Turns
The Biomechanics of Pirouettes

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Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves.

Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.

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