“Stop worrying about what could go wrong, and get excited about what could go right!”
You cannot simply lift your leg up into an arabesque. Instead of thinking “up” as you raise the leg, think of lengthening the leg away from your body, and tracing the edge of a circle, moving upwards. This will allow you to use the proper muscles to lift the leg (remember to always stay turned out, and avoid using the quads to lift the leg), and will develop a lot of back strength. Be sure to check out the videos for strength-building exercises!
Introduction
The iconic (and often dreaded) arabesque is one of the cornerstone positions of classical ballet. It is a versatile pose that is used in every category of this art, from adagio to grand allegro, as well as in every kind of dance, from ballet to jazz. Establishing a strong and correct arabesque will prepare you to take on anything in dance. Here’s what to remember:
· Keep square hips and shoulders
· Strong standing leg and straight back leg
· Strong upper and lower back
· Keep weight forward
· Keep square hips and shoulders
· Strong standing leg and straight back leg
· Strong upper and lower back
· Keep weight forward
Proper Alignment
As always, proper alignment is critical in arabesque. It is especially important in this position to keep the shoulders absolutely square, with both facing forward. While the hips should also be square, it is generally okay to open up the working leg (only a little bit!) to accommodate a high back leg. Doing this should not disturb the alignment of the shoulders, and should not force you to “scrunch” the standing side of your torso. Stay lifted from the waist, and focus on lengthening your working side.
Lifting Your Leg
You cannot simply lift your leg up into an arabesque. Instead of thinking “up” as you raise the leg, think of lengthening the leg away from your body, and tracing the edge of a circle, moving upwards. This will allow you to use the proper muscles to lift the leg (remember to always stay turned out, and avoid using the quads to lift the leg), and will develop a lot of back strength. Be sure to check out the videos for strength-building exercises!
Shifting Your Weight
Moving into arabesque requires a great shift in weight. Typically, students make one of two errors: they make no change in their back after lifting the leg, therefore compressing the back and keeping the leg low, or they overcompensate the weight shift with the upper body, and end up parallel to the floor. A happy medium of these extremes is the best option.
· Let the leg lift before making any change in weight
· Let the leg moving up be the driving force that pushes the upper body forward
· Only move the upper body as far forward as you need in order to keep your weight on the ball of your foot
· Always stay turned out, keep a straight back knee, and keep your foot pointed
· Let the leg lift before making any change in weight
· Let the leg moving up be the driving force that pushes the upper body forward
· Only move the upper body as far forward as you need in order to keep your weight on the ball of your foot
· Always stay turned out, keep a straight back knee, and keep your foot pointed
Important Links
Video Links
Arabesque Stretch
Hip Opener Stretch
How to Improve Arabesque
Progressing Ballet Technique
*This video is on Facebook. Scroll down to February 19th’s video
Article Links
Arabesque Advice
Just For Fun Links
Stephanie Bradshaw's Blog- Check it out!!!
Arabesque Stretch
Hip Opener Stretch
How to Improve Arabesque
Progressing Ballet Technique
*This video is on Facebook. Scroll down to February 19th’s video
Article Links
Arabesque Advice
Just For Fun Links
Stephanie Bradshaw's Blog- Check it out!!!