What You'll Learn
- Precise finger and thumb placement for a classical hand shape
- How to maintain lifted elbows and straight wrists to avoid 'broken' lines
- Techniques for fluid allongé transitions and stretching the back through the arms
- Finding the 'sweet spot' in arm positioning for a balanced three-dimensional look
About This Video
In classical ballet, the arms—or port de bras—act as the frame for the entire body's artistry. While dancers often focus heavily on technical footwork, the refinement of the wrists and hands is what truly distinguishes a polished performance. This specialized Broche Ballet class is dedicated to mastering the nuances of upper-body movement, ensuring your port de bras is as expressive as it is technically sound.
We begin by examining the foundation of arm placement in first position and low fifth, focusing on the delicate balance between strength and grace. One of the most common challenges dancers face is maintaining a lifted elbow without creating unnecessary tension in the shoulders. In this session, you will learn to pull the elbows up while keeping the hands down, effectively engaging the back muscles to support the weight of the arms.
We specifically address 'broken wrist' alignment by practicing a neutral, straight wrist position that flows seamlessly into the fingers. The details of hand positioning are often overlooked, yet they make a world of difference in your silhouette. You will be guided through the precise placement of the fingers: keeping the pinky close to the fourth finger and the thumb tucked toward the middle finger’s first knuckle to create a soft, classical line.
We explore how to transition through allongé movements, stretching the fingers to create length without losing the integrity of the arm's shape. Throughout this 12-minute class, we practice sequences moving from first position to second position and into high fifth. You will learn to find the 'sweet spot' for your arms—positioning them about 80% of the way forward to maintain a rounded, three-dimensional look.
By the end of this class, you will be able to treat your port de bras like a 'beautiful bouquet,' adding a layer of elegance to every combination at the barre or in the center.
