What You'll Learn
- How to isolate the shoulders and elbows to create fluid and spacious arm movements.
- Techniques for balancing upper arm tension with soft, graceful finger placement.
- Proper upper body alignment, focusing on rib cage control and scapular width.
- The coordination of breath, head placement, and musicality during center port de bras.
- Transitioning between classical arm positions and expressive allongée movements.
About This Video
Elevate your artistry at Broche Ballet with this focused 16-minute session dedicated to the subtle yet transformative power of port de bras. Many dancers focus intensely on footwork, but it is the upper body—the arms, head, and torso—that truly communicates emotion and grace on stage. This tutorial dives deep into the technical foundation required for refined arm styling and upper body carriage, ensuring your movements look effortless and intentional.
We begin by isolating the shoulders and elbows, learning to create a sense of 'expensive' space within the joints. You will explore the delicate balance of maintaining muscular tension in the upper arms to support the line, while simultaneously finding softness in the wrists and fingers. A key focus is the classic ballet hand position, specifically the connection between the thumb and middle finger, which prevents the hand from appearing flat or strained.
Alignment is a core component of this lesson. You will practice pulling the shoulder blades vertically down while maintaining a horizontal width across the chest—a dual action that creates a proud, open carriage. We also address common pitfalls, such as flared ribs, by learning to keep the rib cage tucked while pressing the elbows forward to maintain a rounded, supported shape.
The session culminates in a beautiful 'Moonlight Sonata' inspired flow. Here, you will integrate classical positions including en bas, first, and second positions. We practice the transition into allongée movements, where the arms extend and elongate to finish a phrase.
By coordinating your breath and head placement with the music, you will develop a sense of phrasing and musicality that transforms a simple exercise into a piece of art. Through rotational awareness of the upper arms, you will learn to achieve the long, elegant lines characteristic of professional dancers. Join Broche Ballet and master the art of the upper body today.
