What You'll Learn
- The precise sequencing of port de bras through all basic positions.
- The technical differences between classical and non-classical arm placement.
- Professional secrets for shoulder alignment and elbow control.
- How to use allongé and breathing to create fluid, graceful lines.
- Targeted stretches to release upper body tension after center work.
About This Video
Mastering the art of port de bras is essential for any dancer looking to transition from basic movements to true artistry. In this comprehensive 16-minute center practice from Broche Ballet, we break down the mechanics of the arms to help you achieve a more polished and professional look. While beginners often focus solely on the legs, the upper body is where a dancer's expression and stability truly reside.
This session focuses on the intricate pathways of the arms through the standard positions. You will learn the precise order for a standard port de bras sequence: starting in first position, traveling through second, returning to first, lifting to high fifth, and then opening back out to second before finishing in a controlled low fifth. A key highlight of this tutorial is the exploration of classical versus non-classical transitions into second position.
In the classical version, we emphasize keeping the elbows back while the hands move forward, creating a rounded, voluminous shape. Conversely, the non-classical version explores lengthening through the elbows first to create a wider, more expansive line. Alignment is a core theme of this lesson.
We provide detailed corrections on shoulder and elbow placement, teaching you how to keep the shoulders depressed and back while maintaining a slight forward curve in the elbows. You will learn why the elbows should be the last thing to close when transitioning positions and why the shoulders must be settled before the arm movement is completed. We also introduce the concept of the classical lever and how to execute it with maximum control.
To wrap up the practice, we focus on the transition into allongé and the importance of breath. Finishing a movement with breath not only adds grace but also helps manage muscle tension. The class concludes with a series of stretches specifically designed for the neck and arms, ensuring that your upper body remains supple and ready for your next center combination or pirouette.
Whether you are working on your placement or looking to add more fluidity to your dancing, this Broche Ballet class provides the technical foundation you need.
