What You'll Learn
- How turning the head protects the neck from over-extending during back bends
- The relationship between cambré and building neck strength for better pirouettes
- How to distinguish between upper back flexibility and neck alignment
- The functional importance of spotting side-to-side to improve spatial awareness
About This Video
In this Broche Ballet Quicktip, we delve into a common technical question: why do we turn our head during a cambré back? While it may seem like a purely aesthetic choice to some, there are significant functional benefits to this placement that every dancer should understand. Mastery of the port de bras and head placement is what separates an intermediate dancer from a professional, and the cambré back is a prime example of this technical nuance.
One of the primary reasons for turning the head is safety. When performing a cambré back, the goal is to create a beautiful arch in the upper back. However, many students inadvertently crunch their neck by dropping the head directly backward. By turning the head slightly toward the shoulder, you effectively maintain a straight, neutral position for the neck relative to the spine. This protects the delicate cervical vertebrae from over-bending and potential injury, ensuring that the movement originates from the thoracic spine (the upper back) instead. This alignment allows the spine to stretch safely without compression.
Beyond protection, this head position serves as a vital training tool for your pirouettes. Turning the head in cambré back stretches and strengthens the muscles of the neck in a controlled environment. This increased flexibility and control are essential for effective spotting. When you practice turning your head side-to-side in various positions like cambré at the barre, you are building the proprioception and muscle memory needed to snap the head quickly during a turn. This functional movement bridges the gap between slow stretching and the dynamic needs of center work.
At Broche Ballet, we emphasize the "why" behind every movement. Understanding that the upper back bends while the neck stays elongated allows for a more controlled and professional line. Integrating this small adjustment into your barre work will not only improve your appearance but will also contribute to long-term spinal health.
