Expert Tips for a Perfect Fourth Arabesque in Ballet

The 4th arabesque is one of the most elegant yet challenging positions in classical ballet. It requires a delicate balance of spinal rotation, precise arm placement, and specific head alignment to create that signature silhouette that looks effortless but demands immense physical control. Often described as a 'pretzel' shape due to the crossing lines, mastering this position is a milestone for any developing dancer.

At Broche Ballet, we believe in breaking down complex movements into manageable technical cues that produce immediate results. In this quick tutorial, we dive into the specific alignment needed for a successful 4th arabesque. One of the most common mistakes is losing the back positioning or leaning too far forward. To counter this, focus on keeping your torso oriented correctly, ensuring your body stays 'behind' your legs to maintain the vertical integrity of the pose.

The shoulder and arm placement are crucial for creating the expansive line seen in professional dancers. By pulling the shoulder back and up, you create the necessary space for the arm to reach its proper position behind the body. This creates a more open and lengthened look. We also explore a helpful modification: bending the front leg slightly into a demi-plié or a soft bend to facilitate the lift of the back leg. This adjustment allows for a deeper range of motion and better engagement of the back muscles, especially for dancers working on their flexibility.

Head placement often feels counter-intuitive in this position. In a 4th arabesque, you should tilt your head in the opposite direction of the raised leg. For example, if your left shoulder is pulling back, your head should tilt over the right. This completes the spiral of the body and adds a professional finish to the pose. Refining these details will help you move away from a stiff position into one that is fluid and graceful, avoiding unnecessary tension in the body.