What You'll Learn
- Distinguish between the five primary types of arabesque positions.
- Understand the rules for arm placement and avoiding common line breaks.
- Master body orientations including en face and corner directions like croisé.
- Improve mental recall for rapid-fire terminology and movement execution.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most challenging milestones for any ballet dancer. In Week 6 of our program, we focus on the fundamental "rules of the road" for your arms and legs. Understanding these conventions is the key to moving with confidence and grace.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that clarity in terminology leads to clarity in physical movement. This session focuses heavily on body directions and the specific coordination required for various arabesque positions. While many beginners think of an arabesque as simply a leg extended to the back, there are actually several distinct versions—first, second, third, fourth, and fifth—each with its own specific arm placement.
We guide you through the logic of these positions, explaining how the relationship between your standing leg, your working leg, and your eyeline dictates where your arms should be. For example, you will learn the crucial rule of never "hiding" your face or covering your chin with your front arm, ensuring your lines remain open and expressive. We also delve into the complexities of spatial orientation.
Dancing en face (facing the front) is very different from dancing on a diagonal in croisé or effacé. This video includes a series of ten rapid-fire review exercises designed to sharpen your mental recall. By practicing quick transitions between a tendu back in croisé versus a tendu to the side in écarté, you build the muscle memory and cognitive speed necessary for more advanced choreography.
Whether you are struggling to remember which arm goes forward in a second arabesque or you want to ensure your body is correctly angled toward the corner, this review provides the essential summary you need. Mastery of these rules allows you to stop overthinking your limbs and start focusing on the artistry of your dance. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine your center work and build a professional foundation for your ballet journey.
