How to say & pronounce Gargouillade:

gar-goo-yahd

What does Gargouillade translate to?

Rumbling

Gargouillade is a classical ballet term meaning “rumbling.”  A dancer performs a gargouillade by degageing one leg to the side, then doing a small rond de jambe with that leg while pushing off the floor with the other leg and then doing a rond de jambe with that leg!  The rond de jambes must both happen in the air before closing to fifth.

It very closely resembles a small pas de chat, but with each leg doing a quick rond de jambe.  Gargouillades are not commonly done in classical ballet, but they are always a fun step to try in class and do occasionally make their way into female variations.  In class, they are usually done in petit allegro combinations and is considered an advanced step.