What You'll Learn
- How to achieve a wide and stable 'lat spread' for professional ballet alignment.
- The correct rotation of the upper arm to engage back muscles without tension.
- Techniques to keep the shoulder blades separate and down during port de bras.
- How to maintain a flat, broad back when opening the arms to second position.
About This Video
Welcome to another 'Quick Tidbit' from Broche Ballet! In this specialized mini-class, we dive deep into the upper body alignment that gives professional dancers their regal, expansive presence. While many dancers focus heavily on their footwork or the height of their relevé, the secret to a truly commanding stage presence often lies in the back.
Specifically, we are looking at how to position your shoulder blades to achieve a wide, stable, and expressive port de bras. ' In ballet, we often hear the correction to 'put your shoulders down,' but this can sometimes lead to pinching the shoulder blades together or narrowing the back. In this video, you will learn why the goal is actually to keep the shoulder blades separate and wide.
By spreading the lats, you create a flat, broad back that provides a solid foundation for your arm movements. Throughout the session, our instructor demonstrates how to manipulate the upper arms and back muscles to find this specific alignment. You will practice taking the arms through a low sequence to feel the shoulder blades widening away from the spine.
A key focus is the rotation of the inside of the arm—turning it up and forward—which helps engage the lats without lifting the traps. This technique ensures that your shoulders stay 'down and back' in the correct anatomical sense, without losing the width required for a beautiful second position. Whether you are working at the barre or performing a center adage, mastering this 'Arnold-style' lat spread will transform your silhouette.
It helps prevent the common mistake of 'hollowing' the back and instead encourages a three-dimensional, powerful upper body. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine these essential details to help you dance with more confidence and grace.
