What You'll Learn
- How to manage selective tension in the elbows and back while keeping wrists soft.
- Techniques for maintaining a long, professional line in arabesque and extension.
- Proper palm and forearm placement during slow movements like développé and temps lié.
- The coordination of arm movements with leg exercises such as plié and fondu.
- Methods to eliminate 'broken' lines and unnecessary wrist tension in your port de bras.
About This Video
Refining the upper body is often the final step in moving from a student level to a truly professional aesthetic. In this focused 44-minute technique barre class, Caitlin from Broche Ballet guides you through intentional, slow combinations designed to isolate and improve your port de bras. While many dancers concentrate primarily on their footwork, the carriage of the arms and the management of tension in the upper body are what create the grace and fluidity expected in classical dance.
Throughout the lesson, you will explore the concept of selective tension. You will learn how to engage specific areas like the back, hamstrings, and elbows to maintain proper alignment while simultaneously keeping the wrists and palms soft and relaxed. This contrast is essential for achieving a polished look. Caitlin provides detailed corrections on common pitfalls, such as allowing the wrist to bend too deeply during a plié or adding unnecessary tension when transitioning into an arabesque.
The class utilizes familiar exercises, including tendu, fondu, and développé, as vehicles for upper body refinement. You will practice the temps lié to work on coordination and learn how to maintain a long, lifted line through the forearm and wrist. By slowing down the tempo, you are given the space to focus on the pathway of the arms, ensuring that every movement is intentional rather than reflexive.
By integrating these port de bras techniques into your regular barre practice, you will develop the muscle memory needed for a more professional and artistic performance. This class is an excellent resource for dancers looking to add elegance to their technique and find more breath and life in their upper body carriage. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, these insights into palm placement and elbow shape will transform your overall silhouette.
