What You'll Learn
- How to engage muscle activation from the knuckle to the forearm to resist gravity
- Proper alignment and elbow height when transitioning from allongé to high fit
- Targeted stretches for the back of the hand and wrist to improve flexibility
- Techniques for maintaining a supported and expressive classical arm line
About This Video
Elevate your artistry and refine your upper body technique with this specialized Broche Ballet class focused on port de bras in the center. While many dancers focus heavily on footwork and leg strength, the carriage of the arms is what truly defines a dancer’s grace and presence on stage. This 18-minute session dives deep into the nuances of arm alignment, focusing specifically on how to maintain a lifted, fluid line through proper muscle activation and joint awareness.
One of the most common challenges in port de bras is battling gravity, which often causes the wrists to break or the hands to droop. Our instructor guides you through specific drills to engage the muscles from the middle knuckle into the forearm, ensuring the back of the hand stays lifted and energized. You will learn that a beautiful hand shape isn't just about finger placement; it starts with the wrist's flexibility and the strength of the arm's supporting muscles.
We also cover essential stretches for the hands and wrists, emphasizing that flexibility should be felt through the back of the hand to achieve that classical, elongated look. The class also breaks down the transition from an allongé position back into a high fit or high fifth position. Many dancers lose their elbow alignment during this movement.
You will practice stopping the upper arms at the correct elbow height before rounding the arms, preventing the collapsing look that can disrupt a dancer's silhouette. By focusing on the relationship between the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, you’ll develop a more cohesive and professional upper body carriage. Whether you are preparing for an adagio or simply want to feel more connected in your center work, these port de bras exercises provide the technical foundation needed for expressive movement.
By mastering these small but vital details, you will find more freedom in your dancing and a more polished, professional appearance in every sequence. Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your port de bras into a powerful tool for artistic expression.
