What You'll Learn
- The technical mechanics of fluid port de bras from the shoulders through the fingertips.
- How to use the breath as a 'life force' to initiate and sustain arm movements.
- Refining transitions between first, second, and allongé positions with grace.
- Techniques for reducing tension in the neck and shoulders during center practice.
- Methods for using ballet movement as a form of active meditation and relaxation.
About This Video
At Broche Ballet, we believe that the beauty of dance lies in the details. Port de bras, or the carriage of the arms, is often what distinguishes a mechanical dancer from a true artist. In this 19-minute focused technique class, we dive deep into the mechanics and the 'life force' behind your upper body movements.
Instead of seeing the arms as separate appendages, you will learn to treat them as an extension of your breath and core. The session begins with a comprehensive review of fundamental arm positions, including first position, second position, and the delicate allongé. We explore how to move between these positions without tension, ensuring your wrists, elbows, and shoulders work in harmony rather than in isolation.
A primary focus of this practice is the concept of expansion. You will be guided through exercises that encourage you to feel the breath moving your arms, allowing the lungs to expand and naturally lift the port de bras. This connection to the breath transforms arbitrary movement into something intentional and fluid.
As we progress from basic positions to more complex flows in the center, the class transitions into a more meditative state. By synchronizing slow, deliberate breathing with your movements, you achieve a level of control and grace that is essential for advanced center work. Whether you are looking to soften your transitions or find more power in your épaulement, this class provides the technical foundation needed to make your ballet movements feel weightless.
We conclude with a series of relaxation flows designed to help you unwind and feel fully connected to your body. Join us as we explore how the breath serves as the primary engine for expressive dance.
