What You'll Learn
- Identify how modern typing habits cause a dropped wrist in second position
- Learn to lift from the index finger to achieve a clean classical line
- Understand how the wrist axis simplifies the execution of allongé
- Discover the visual difference between a neutral wrist and a broken line
About This Video
When we think about ballet technique, we often focus on turnout, foot extension, or the height of a grand battement. However, the artistry of ballet frequently resides in the smaller details, particularly the port de bras. If you have ever looked in the mirror during class and felt that your arms just didn't look right, the issue might not be your shoulders or your elbows, but rather the subtle axis of your wrist.
In this Quick Tip from Broche Ballet, we explore how the orientation of your wrist can make or break the classical line of your second position. Many adult dancers carry habits from their daily lives into the studio. Constant typing on keyboards or texting on phones often leads to a dropped wrist, where the wrist collapses downward toward the floor.
In a ballet context, this break in the line creates a heavy look and interrupts the flow of energy from the back through to the fingertips. To correct this, we focus on the specific axis of the wrist. Instead of following the line of the middle finger, which can lead to that dropped appearance, try lifting slightly from the index finger.
This small adjustment shifts the axis, allowing for a more elegant flair in the hand that aligns perfectly with the rest of the arm. This correction is especially vital when performing an allongé movement. Allongé should be a fluid lengthening and rotation of the arm.
When your wrist is already in the correct axis, the allongé happens naturally without the need for a secondary, clunky adjustment. If your wrist starts in a dropped position, you are forced to lift it before you can extend, resulting in a broken, two-part movement that lacks the grace required for professional-level execution. By mastering your wrist axis, you ensure that every port de bras is seamless and purposeful.
