What You'll Learn
- How to use the back of the ribcage to initiate fluid arm movement
- The relationship between breathing and natural-looking port de bras
- Techniques to avoid a 'robotic' appearance in your upper body
- How to execute an expressive allonger that looks connected to your core
About This Video
Have you ever felt that your dancing looks a bit robotic or detached? In this quick tip from Broche Ballet, we explore how to bridge the gap between technical execution and true artistry by focusing on your port de bras. While many dancers focus solely on the placement of the hands and elbows, the secret to a movement that looks truly 'alive' lies deeper within the body—specifically, in the breath and the back of the ribcage. By learning to connect your breathing to your physical movement, you can transform your arms from stiff shapes into expressive extensions of your core.
To achieve a natural, fluid look, you must focus on the rise and fall of the back of the ribcage. As you inhale, feel the ribcage expand and push the shoulder blades slightly up and out; as you exhale, allow them to settle. This internal rhythm creates a subtle but powerful ripple effect through the arms. When you execute an allonger, it shouldn't just be a mechanical straightening of the elbow. Instead, it should be an extension of that internal breath, pushing through the fingertips as if the movement is originating from your very center. This connection ensures that your port de bras never looks disconnected from the rest of your body.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique and expression are two sides of the same coin. By integrating these breathing movements into your daily barre and center work, you will find that your dancing takes on a new dimension of grace. No longer will your port de bras feel like a chore; it will become a living, breathing part of your artistic identity. Practice feeling the expansion in your upper back during your next adagio, and watch how much more fluid and professional your movements become.
