An Arabesque in Ballet is a graceful and iconic move from the classical dance form. It is an essential element of ballet technique, and has been around since the late 1600s. An Arabesque looks like a dancer standing on one leg, with the other leg extended behind them, usually at an angle of 90 degrees or higher.
The dancer’s arms are usually held in a graceful curve in front of their body. The dancer’s head is usually tilted up and back a bit, as if they are looking out into the distance. The Arabesque also includes a subtle shift of weight from one side to another.
The Arabesque is often seen in en pointe (the technique where dancers support themselves on the tips of their toes). This is when it can be most impressive, as it takes a tremendous amount of strength and balance to remain standing on one leg while extending the other behind.
The Arabesque is used to demonstrate a dancer’s grace, poise and flexibility. It can be used both as an isolated move or as part of a more complex combination. Some ballets feature entire sections that focus solely on this move.
Conclusion:
An Arabesque in Ballet is an iconic move that requires strength, balance and grace. It looks like a dancer standing on one leg with the other extended behind them at an angle, with their arms held in front in a graceful curve and their head tilted up and back slightly. This move can be very impressive when done en pointe, which requires even more strength and balance to execute properly.