Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Pirouette

      Origin 
      French

      Meaning 
      A Ballet Spin or Turn

      Variations 
      Aurorette, Marquette, Nicolette

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The term pirouette is derived from the French word meaning “to spin.” In ballet, a pirouette refers to a specific ballet movement where the dancer performs a full turn on one foot, typically with the other leg raised and the arms positioned to enhance balance and control. It showcases a dancer's technical skill, balance, and strength, acting as a fundamental element in various ballet routines. The ability to execute a pirouette with grace and precision is often seen as a hallmark of a skilled dancer.

      The concept of the pirouette has roots tracing back to the early development of ballet in the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly within the courts of Italy and France. Initially, it was used to convey elegance and refinement in aristocratic dances. The formalization of ballet as an art form in the 17th century further popularized the pirouette, with prominent figures like King Louis XIV influencing its execution and significance. Over time, the pirouette evolved, becoming a staple in both classical ballet and its choreographic variations, symbolizing the evolution of dance from a courtly pastime to a theatrical performance art.

      Today, the term pirouette not only persists within the realm of ballet but has also permeated broader dance disciplines, such as contemporary and jazz dance. It remains a crucial component of dance training, with aspiring dancers rigorously practicing this movement to enhance their agility and form. Additionally, the word has entered popular culture, often used metaphorically to describe a swift turn or change in direction in various contexts, such as sports, music, and even everyday life. As a result, the pirouette stands as a representation of both technical prowess in dance and a wider cultural symbol of change and grace.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.