What You'll Learn
- The precise pathway of the arms and head for both forward and reverse circular movements
- How to maintain straight, stable legs and engaged inner thighs during torso rotations
- Techniques for lifting out of the hips to avoid 'sitting' in the joints
- Proper rib cage and chest placement for a safe and expressive cambré
- How to finish the sequence with a clean allongé and professional recovery
About This Video
The circular port de bras is a foundational yet challenging element of ballet artistry, requiring a seamless blend of upper body fluidity and lower body stability. In this 12-minute technique breakdown with Julie, Broche Ballet dives deep into the mechanics of this graceful movement. Often taught alongside rond de jambe or during stretching sequences, the circular port de bras demands precise coordination of the head, arms, and torso while maintaining a rock-solid foundation in the legs.
Throughout this tutorial, you will explore the correct pathways for performing the movement in both directions. Julie provides detailed cues on how to reach out to the diagonal with a long body, following the hand through its trajectory into high fifth position. You will learn how to curl the rib cage effectively to the side and open the chest to the back without losing your center. A key focus of this lesson is leg control; many dancers struggle with bending the knees or letting the hips shift as the upper body rotates. This video emphasizes keeping the knees straight and the inner thighs engaged, ensuring you stay lifted out of your hips rather than sinking into them.
Whether you are practicing at the barre in third or fifth position, the goal is to maintain a long, unbroken line from the floor up through the tailbone. You will also review the finishing touches of the movement, including the recover into an allongé. By focusing on the resistance in the legs and the extension of the spine, you will develop the strength and poise necessary for advanced adagio work. Perfect for dancers looking to move beyond just 'moving their arms' and toward true full-body integration in their ballet practice.
