What You'll Learn
- How to maintain proper elbow lifting and support throughout all arm positions.
- Techniques for engaging the back and shoulders to create fluid, effortless-looking movements.
- The mechanics of hand rotation and the role of the pinky in lifting the port de bras.
- Specific drills to refine transitions between first, second, and fifth positions.
- Methods for stretching and releasing shoulder tension after intensive center work.
About This Video
Refining your port de bras is an essential step in transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate ballet dancer. While we often focus on the precision of our feet, the arms carry the artistry and provide the necessary balance for complex center work. In this specialized Broche Ballet practice session, we dive deep into the mechanics of arm control and strength to help you achieve that effortless, professional look. This class moves beyond simple positions, focusing instead on the constant energy and rotation required to keep the arms alive and supported.
You will begin by exploring the foundational 'upside down' feeling in the shoulders and chest, ensuring your posture remains stable while the limbs move freely. A significant portion of the lesson is dedicated to the elbows—specifically, how to keep the 'pointy part' lifted and rotated to prevent drooping. We examine the transition through first position and the expansive opening into second, teaching you how to use your back muscles as the primary motor for your movements rather than relying solely on the shoulders. These drills emphasize the connection between the shoulder blade and the fingertips, ensuring a seamless line of energy.
Throughout the session, you will practice specific hand movements, including circles that use the front and back of the hand to guide the air. We also address common technical pitfalls, such as 'broken' wrists or dropped elbows, by implementing the 'pinky lead' technique to maintain lift. By the end of this class, you will have a series of drills that can be integrated into your daily practice to build the stamina required for long adages and allegros. Join us to strengthen your back, stabilize your shoulders, and bring a new level of sophistication to your center port de bras.
