What You'll Learn
- How to use robot arms to isolate back muscles and open the shoulders
- Techniques for maintaining elbow rotation in first, second, and high fifth positions
- The importance of rib placement and core engagement during arm movements
- How to create resistance and pressure down for stable, graceful arms
- Specific drills to improve transitions between arm positions in the center
About This Video
Elevate your artistry and refine your upper body technique with this focused center port de bras class from Broche Ballet. Often, dancers focus so much on footwork that the arms become an afterthought. However, the carriage of the arms is what defines the grace and strength of a ballet dancer.
In this 12-minute session, we break down the mechanics of the arms to help you achieve that effortless, floating quality. We begin by establishing a strong foundation: the back. The instructor guides you through setting up your posture, focusing on opening the shoulders and engaging the muscles of the back without flaring the ribs.
A unique robot arms drill helps isolate the correct muscle groups, ensuring your shoulders remain relaxed while your arms move through space. You will learn how to maintain a wide chest while simultaneously pulling the elbows forward to create that signature rounded ballet shape. As we move through the primary positions—first, second, and high fifth—special attention is given to the rotation of the elbows.
Proper alignment requires a constant feeling of pressure down in the arms, which provides resistance and prevents the elbows from drooping. You will practice transitions that challenge your core stability, keeping your belly button toward your spine and your ribs tucked. Whether you are working on your épaulement or simply looking to improve your daily barre work, these drills provide the repetition and technical feedback needed to build muscle memory.
By the end of this practice, you will have a better understanding of how your back muscles support your arms, allowing for more expansive and expressive movement in the center.
