What You'll Learn
- Master the 'inhale and decay' technique for more fluid and expressive port de bras.
- Learn to coordinate complex transitions between tombé, pas de bourrée, and sous-sus.
- Improve center stability through targeted core engagement and breathing techniques.
- Enhance artistic nuance using the 'scoop' method and upper arm initiation.
- Refine alignment and movement quality in cambré and arabesque positions.
About This Video
' This 28-minute session moves beyond simple mechanics to explore the emotional and physical breath that brings ballet to life. Under the guidance of our expert instructor, you will dive into a beautiful piece of choreography designed to challenge your technical precision while fostering deep artistic expression. We focus heavily on port de bras, specifically mastering the transition of the arm moving through first position into a high fifth.
You will learn the 'inhale and decay' effect, a technique where the movement is initiated by the elbow and upper arm, allowing the hand to trail elegantly behind. This class breaks down the relationship between movements such as the tendu, dégagé, tombé, and pas de bourrée, teaching you how to thread these steps together into a seamless sequence. Beyond the arms, we emphasize the importance of core engagement and spinal alignment.
You will explore how to use your breath to support a cambré and maintain stability in a striking arabesque. We also introduce creative metaphors like 'octopus arms' to help you visualize the fluidity required for more contemporary-leaning classical movements. By focusing on the 'scoop' of the forearm and the articulation of each vertebrae during transitions, you will gain a more sophisticated understanding of how to occupy space in the center.
This practice session is a perfect opportunity for dancers to experiment with different interpretations of the music, refining their movement quality through repetition and expert feedback. Whether you are looking to soften your transitions or add dramatic flair to your combinations, this class provides the technical tools and artistic inspiration to help you feel like a truly expressive dancer.
