What You'll Learn
- The precise definition and execution of the allongé movement
- How to use forearm rotation to elongate without losing arm structure
- Maintaining stability in the triceps and shoulders for a supported line
- Subtle wrist and hand positioning to enhance artistic expression
- Integrating head movements and eyeline for a cohesive port de bras
About This Video
In the first part of our Port de Bras Deep Dive series at Broche Ballet, we transition from simply moving the arms to understanding the mechanics that create a professional, fluid line. This class focuses heavily on the concept of allongé—the action of elongating and straightening the arms from a rounded position. We explore the often-overlooked detail of the forearm skin and how a subtle rotation facilitates a full elongation without causing the shoulders to hike or the elbows to drop.
You will learn how to isolate these movements by keeping your triceps still and your armpits strong, ensuring that your port de bras remains supported from your back rather than just your extremities. The instructor provides a detailed breakdown of different allongé variations: the standard elongation, the twisting method, and the version where palms face away. Each variation serves a different purpose in classical choreography, and mastering them all is key to becoming a versatile dancer.
Beyond the mechanics of the arms, this session emphasizes the importance of the wrist and hands. We discuss how to avoid common pitfalls, such as overly bent wrists or dead hands, by focusing on the alignment of the middle finger and the neutral position of the wrist. Finally, we integrate these technical elements with head coordination and eyeline, which are essential for transforming a mechanical movement into a piece of art.
Whether you are looking to improve your adagio or simply want more control during your barre work, this deep dive provides the technical foundation needed for elegant and powerful arm movements. Join us as we deconstruct the art of the port de bras and elevate your ballet practice to the next level.
