What You'll Learn
- Coordinate breathing with port de bras to create fluid, lifelike movement instead of robotic actions.
- Master the transition from high fifth to arabesque with proper finger placement and wrist rotation.
- Utilize the rise and fall of the back of the ribcage to support and elevate arm movements naturally.
- Integrate the allongé to extend the breath into the fingertips for a more expressive line.
- Understand how to reverse port de bras while maintaining body connection and technical precision.
About This Video
In this dedicated Broche Ballet center practice, we explore the intricate artistry of port de bras, specifically focusing on the connection between movement and breath. Many dancers struggle with "robotic" arms that feel disconnected from the torso. This class aims to bridge that gap by teaching you how to use your breath as the primary driver for every movement.
We begin by revisiting the fundamental positions—first position, second position, and high fifth—but with a new focus on the rise and fall of the ribcage. By feeling the back of your ribcage expand and contract, you allow your shoulder blades to move naturally, creating a sense of lift and ease in the shoulders rather than tension. The lesson progresses into the nuances of the arabesque port de bras and the vital importance of finger placement and focus.
You will learn how to execute a proper allongé, extending the breath through the fingertips to create a long, elegant line that looks alive rather than static. The instructor guides you through exercises that challenge you to reverse the arms and maintain control without sacrificing fluidity. Specifically, we look at the transition from high fifth into an elegant arabesque, focusing on the rotation of the wrist and the soft carriage of the fingers.
This detail is essential for creating the refined aesthetic expected in classical ballet. We also explore the concept of reversing the port de bras, which requires a high level of coordination and core stability to maintain the line while the arms move through various planes. By the end of this 13-minute session, you will have a better understanding of how to integrate breathing movements into your technique.
This coordination is what transforms a simple arm movement into a professional-looking port de bras. Whether you are working on your placement in the center or looking to add more expression to your dancing, these exercises provide the tools needed to make your arms feel like a natural extension of your body.
