What You'll Learn
- Master the nuances of port de bras with proper shoulder and elbow alignment.
- Practice the delicate allongez to lengthen your lines without tension.
- Coordinate breath with movement to enhance fluid transitions and control.
- Develop precision by isolating arm movements before integrating them.
- Learn to reverse the flow of your arms from high positions back to center.
About This Video
Embrace the holiday spirit while refining your technique with this special Christmas port de bras class at Broche Ballet. In ballet, the carriage of the arms is often the defining element of a dancer's artistry, and this session is dedicated to helping you find that perfect balance of strength and grace. Set to a selection of classic Christmas carols, this flow-based class focuses on the fluid transitions between positions that make ballet so visually captivating.
The session begins by breaking down the core components of a successful port de bras. We explore the delicate relationship between the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers. You will learn how to maintain a soft, rounded shape in your arms, avoiding the common pitfall of straightening the elbows too much.
Instead, we focus on pushing through the air, creating a sense of resistance and volume that fills the space around you. We pay close attention to the allongez movement, lengthening the lines to add breath and life to your dancing. Starting in a low fifth position, the instructor guides you through exercises that engage the core to support the weight of the arms, ensuring your alignment remains steady even as you move through complex flows.
We practice isolating one arm at a time—a technique that allows for greater focus on precision and control—before bringing both arms together for full, expressive sequences. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to breathing. By timing your inhalations and exhalations with your arm movements, you will find a more natural flow and better control over your transitions.
We also work on reversing the flow, moving from the height of fifth position back down to a low first position, which requires a nuanced understanding of weight and timing. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this 6-minute session offers a beautiful way to maintain your ballet practice during the busy holiday season.
