Definition & Meaning of "tour en l'air"

What is a "tour en l'air"?

A tour en l'air is a ballet movement where the dancer performs a complete turn in the air. To execute a tour en l'air, the dancer typically starts from a plié, then jumps and rotates 360 degrees in mid-air before landing back on the same foot or on both feet. This movement requires strong technique, precision, and control to complete the turn smoothly and land gracefully. The tour en l'air is often used in ballet performances to highlight a dancer’s skill and to add a dramatic, high-flying element to the choreography.