What You'll Learn
- Proper technique for port de bras and allongé movements with a focus on elbow placement
- How to maintain postural alignment, keeping the shoulders down and the head high
- Isolation exercises to improve coordination, arm flow, and upper body control
- Specific arm burn exercises to build the strength needed for sustained center work
- Techniques for cambré back that emphasize stretching up through the spine
About This Video
Elevate your dancing with our dedicated center class focused on port de bras. At Broche Ballet, we believe that the beauty of ballet is not just found in intricate footwork, but in the seamless coordination and expressive strength of the upper body. This 14-minute session is specifically designed to help you master the "carriage of the arms," providing you with the technical tools to achieve both functional strength and artistic grace.
Throughout the class, we focus on the fundamental principles of port de bras. You will learn how to move your arms in a flowing motion while maintaining essential technical details, such as keeping the elbows slightly above the wrists to create a continuous, curved line. We delve into the nuances of allongé movements, teaching you how to extend the arm while keeping it soft and relaxed, avoiding the common mistake of locking out the elbows.
Proper posture is the foundation of every movement in this class. Our instructor emphasizes the importance of keeping the shoulders down and the head held high, creating a long, elegant line from the fingertips through the spine. You will practice cambré back exercises that focus on stretching upwards through the spine while maintaining control in the pelvis.
By isolating one arm at a time for specific flows, you can master the intricate pathways of the arms before integrating them into more complex center combinations. In addition to fluidity, this class targets functional muscle engagement. We include a targeted arm burn exercise to engage the muscle groups necessary for holding the arms in position for extended periods.
You will learn how to "push the air" using the back of the hand, engaging the back and shoulders to support the movement rather than relying solely on the hands. Whether you are preparing for center work or looking to add more expression to your barre exercises, this class offers valuable insights into the mechanics of beautiful ballet arms.
