What You'll Learn
- The standard pathway for 1st port de bras through three key positions.
- How to execute a reverse port de bras with proper hand rotation.
- Techniques for maintaining stable elbow placement during arm transitions.
- Tips for achieving fluid and expressive arm movements in your practice.
About This Video
Port de bras, or the 'carriage of the arms,' is a fundamental element of ballet that adds grace, fluidity, and expression to every movement. In this Broche Ballet quicktip, we break down the mechanics of the 1st port de bras and its counterpart, the reverse port de bras. Understanding the specific pathways and the relationship between the elbow and the hand is crucial for achieving that effortless professional look.
The standard 1st port de bras is a sequence involving three primary positions: low fifth, first position, and second position. The movement begins with the arms in a rounded low fifth, traveling up through first position (at chest level), and opening out to the sides into second position. While this sequence may seem simple, maintaining a soft, supported curve throughout the transition is what defines classical technique.
Moving into the reverse port de bras, the sequence is inverted: we travel from second position, through first, and back down to low fifth. However, the reverse pathway presents unique challenges for many dancers. To execute this correctly, focus on the rotation of the hand.
As the arms move from second into first, the hand should lift slightly up and out to meet the elbow's height, rather than letting the elbow drop. A key technical takeaway from this lesson involves the relationship between the hand and the elbow during the reverse motion. Instead of moving the entire arm as a single unit, visualize rotating the hand above the elbow.
By keeping the elbow relatively still and focusing on the hand's path, you create a more sophisticated and controlled movement. This attention to detail prevents the common mistake of 'heavy' or drooping elbows, which can disrupt the dancer's line and balance at the barre. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, mastering these arm pathways will enhance your overall coordination.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that refining these details is what truly elevates a dancer's performance from technical to artistic.
