Demi Détourné is a classical ballet term meaning “half turn aside.” A demi détourné is when a dancer will do a half turn on both feet on demi-pointe or pointe, while switching the position of the feet as they finish. It gets its meaning from the ballet terms demi and detourné.
A demi detourné is seen often on in ballets performed on stage but even more during barre in a ballet class. If a barre exercise is taught to be done to both sides without stopping, a demi detourné is usually the step that links the two sides together. This allows for a seamless transition from the right and left sides at barre. Even when the two sides are not asked to be done back-to-back, it is a good practice to do a proper demi detourné to finish on the other side or even as a transition before the music starts again so a dancer can keep focused.
