How to Hold Your Balance in Arabesque Fondu in Center

The arabesque fondu is a quintessential ballet movement that tests a dancer's strength, flexibility, and, most importantly, their balance. In center work, without the support of the barre, maintaining stability while bending the supporting leg in an arabesque can be daunting. This Broche Ballet quick tip focuses on a specific technical adjustment that can transform your center practice: the engagement of the upper back.

When performing a fondu in arabesque, the natural tendency for many dancers is to let the torso tip forward as the supporting knee bends. This forward collapse shifts the center of gravity away from the mid-foot, leading to a loss of balance or a fall out of the position. To counteract this, you must think of your back as the primary holding force.

As you descend into the fondu, focus on engaging your upper back muscles to maintain an upright, lifted posture. A helpful mental cue is to visualize a slight cambré extension. While a full cambré involves a significant bend, thinking of a micro-cambré in the upper thoracic spine allows you to reach the chest upward and outward.

This creates a counterbalance to the weight of the working leg extended behind you. By lifting the sternum and broadening the collarbones, you ensure that your weight stays centered over the supporting leg's arch, rather than spilling into the toes. This technique is particularly useful at the conclusion of a pas de bourrée or any transition that ends in an open arabesque fondu.

Instead of allowing the momentum of the movement to pull you forward, use that extra thought of cambré to catch your weight. This creates a moment of suspension and poise that is the hallmark of professional-level ballet. By mastering these subtle back engagements, you will find that your arabesque fondu feels more secure and looks more elongated.

At Broche Ballet, we emphasize these refined technical points to help adult dancers achieve their best form.