What You'll Learn
- The two distinct pathways for bringing the arm down from high 5th position
- How to coordinate elbow and palm rotation for a fluid, professional look
- Techniques to maintain a strong wrist and avoid a 'broken' arm line
- Correct alignment for a lifted and supported second position
About This Video
The grace and elegance of a dancer are often defined by their port de bras. While footwork requires precision, the arms require a delicate balance of strength and fluidity to create a professional silhouette. In this Broche Ballet Quicktip, we dive deep into one of the most common yet challenging transitions in class: beautifully bringing your arm down from high 5th to second position.
Many dancers struggle with a heavy or dropped look during this transition, but by focusing on internal rotations, you can achieve a much more refined line. To achieve a professional port de bras, one must understand the mechanics of the arm. It is not just a simple drop; it is a series of controlled rotations.
There are two primary rotations to consider: the elbow and the hand. As the arm descends from high 5th, the elbow must rotate upward and back, while the palm rotates forward. This ensures that when you arrive in second position, the elbow remains slightly above the wrist, creating the iconic curved ballet shape.
In this lesson, we explore two distinct pathways. The first involves rotating the elbow around a relatively stationary hand, which helps isolate the movement of the humerus. The second is an extremely classical approach where the elbow slightly lifts as the hand moves downward, preventing the arm from looking static.
A key focus of this tutorial is the wrist. A common mistake is allowing the wrist to break or the hand to flop as the arm moves. By keeping the wrist straight and energized, your movement will appear intentional and strong.
When you finally reach second position, the arm should have a gentle slope from the shoulder down to the fingertips. Practicing these rotations slowly at the barre will build the muscle memory needed for more fluid movements during center work. At Broche Ballet, we believe these technical nuances help adult dancers transition from basic movement to true artistry.
