What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of proper palm rotation and wrist alignment in high fifth.
- Techniques to keep the shoulders down while lifting the arms en haut.
- How to use the back and core to support fluid transitions between positions.
- Strategies for combating gravity to maintain a soft, rounded arm shape.
About This Video
Elevating your artistry begins from the waist up. In this Broche Ballet center practice, we dive deep into the mechanics of port de bras, specifically focusing on the challenges of the high fifth position, often referred to as en haut. While many dancers focus primarily on footwork, the carriage of the arms is what defines a dancer’s presence and grace. This session provides the technical breakdown necessary to transform your upper body movement.
A common struggle in high fifth is finding the balance between lift and relaxation. The instructor explains how to manage the effects of gravity while maintaining a soft, rounded shape. You will learn the critical role of wrist rotation—ensuring your palms face the correct direction toward the body to create a seamless, professional line. Proper elbow placement is equally vital; keeping the elbows supported prevents the common pitfall of dropping the arms and helps integrate the movement into the back muscles.
Transitions are the heartbeat of ballet. This class guides you through moving from a controlled first position up to fifth, then opening through second into allongée. Each movement requires deliberate muscle engagement. By practicing these transitions slowly and deliberately, you develop the muscle memory needed for more complex center combinations. We also emphasize the importance of core stability; without a strong center, the arms cannot move with true freedom or maintain proper alignment during vigorous movements.
Throughout the session, we address shoulder alignment and the tendency for the shoulders to creep toward the ears as the arms rise. By engaging the lats and maintaining a neutral neck, you create the long, elegant lines synonymous with professional ballet. Whether you are preparing for a slow adage or simply want to improve your overall carriage, this detailed breakdown of port de bras provides the technical foundation every dancer needs to shine in the center. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and bring a new level of sophistication to your dancing.
