What You'll Learn
- How to maintain structural integrity by keeping the standing hip forward and tucked under.
- Techniques to maximize glute engagement to protect the lower back from strain.
- Proper pelvic placement and core stability during développé and dégagé movements.
- Exercises to improve upper back alignment and achieve a quiet, still lower back.
- Strategies for transitioning smoothly from passé to a full arabesque extension.
About This Video
The arabesque is one of the most iconic and visually stunning positions in ballet, yet it is often one of the most difficult to execute with both grace and physical integrity. In this 27-minute specialized class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the arabesque to help you achieve a higher, more stable line while protecting your body. The focus of this session is on structural alignment, specifically the relationship between the pelvis, the core, and the glutes. Many dancers experience lower back pinching or instability when lifting the leg to the back; this class addresses those issues head-on by teaching you how to maintain pelvic placement and engage your core effectively.
We begin our work at the barre, reviewing fundamental movements such as grand battement and slow leg lifts. You will learn how to properly transition from passé to développé, ensuring that the standing hip remains forward and tucked under to provide a solid foundation. This detailed breakdown is designed to help you understand that the height of the leg should never come at the expense of your posture. By focusing on the standing leg's placement, you create the necessary space to stretch the hip flexor and engage the glutes fully before the lower back muscles take over. This sequence is essential for reducing stress on the spine and preventing long-term injury.
Throughout the class, we incorporate specific exercises like tendu back and dégagé to practice stillness in the lower back and control in the upper back. The instructor provides real-time corrections and adjustments, emphasizing the importance of utilizing every movement at the barre as an opportunity to strengthen your technique. Whether you are working on a low, elegant line or striving for a full 90-degree extension, the principles of glute maximization and core stability covered in this lesson will transform your practice. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your arabesque and move with more confidence and strength.
