What You'll Learn
- Distinguish between croisé and effacé positions based on leg visibility and audience perspective.
- Master the specific port de bras for écarté front and back on the diagonal.
- Identify and execute the correct arm configurations for all five classical arabesque positions.
- Understand the concept of foreshortening and how it influences the twist in fourth and fifth arabesque.
- Improve your épaulement to create a more professional and aesthetically pleasing line in the center.
About This Video
Moving from the barre to the center is one of the most challenging transitions for any dancer. Without the physical support of the barre, you must rely on your internal sense of geometry and spatial awareness. One of the most common points of confusion for intermediate students is knowing exactly which arm corresponds to which body direction.
In this Broche Ballet 'Level Up' session, we demystify the complex world of center work, focusing on the precise relationship between the legs, the torso, and the port de bras. We begin by clarifying the fundamental differences between croisé (crossed) and effacé (open) positions. You will learn how the visibility of your legs from the audience's perspective defines these lines and how to use your head and eyes to complete the aesthetic.
The class then moves into the specifics of écarté front and back, explaining why these side diagonal positions require a unique arm alignment compared to standard front or back lines. A significant portion of this instructional video is dedicated to the classical numbering system of arabesques. We break down the arm configurations for first through fifth arabesque, detailing the nuances of positions one through three in effacé and the more complex 'crossed' lines of fourth and fifth arabesque in croisé.
You will explore technical concepts like foreshortening and why specific arm combinations are utilized to create the most pleasing visual line. By understanding the underlying geometry of these poses, you will transition from simply copying movements to dancing with intentionality and professional-level precision. Whether you are preparing for a soutenu or a complex center combination, this technical breakdown provides the bird's-eye view needed to bridge the gap from beginner to intermediate mastery.
