Arm movements in ballet, known as port de bras, are one of the most important aspects of classical ballet training. Port de bras is a French phrase that literally translates to “carrying of the arms” and is used to describe the movement, articulation, and placement of the arms in ballet.
Port de bras consists of three main elements: placement, direction, and articulation. Placement refers to where the arms are held in relation to the body.
Different ballet positions require different placements for the arms. Direction refers to how the arms move throughout a given sequence or exercise. Articulation describes how much and what type of movement is used to complete an arm sequence.
The various arm positions can be categorized into five main types:
- First Position Arms: This position is used when starting a combination or exercise. The arms extend away from your body at 45-degree angles with palms facing down.
- Second Position Arms: This position is usually used when transitioning between steps or exercises. The elbows are bent 90 degrees with palms facing up.
- Third Position Arms: This position is often seen in pirouettes and other turns.
The elbows are bent slightly with palms facing down.
- Fourth Position Arms: This position is mainly used for jumps and leaps. The elbows bend at 90 degrees with palms facing front.
- Fifth Position Arms: This position is typically seen in adagio combinations and lyrical pieces. The elbows bend slightly with palms facing each other.
Port de bras are essential for dancers to learn so they can move gracefully through combinations without losing their balance or momentum. It also helps them maintain a beautiful line while dancing en pointe or on demi-pointe shoes. Arm movements add an extra dimension to a dancer’s performance by adding expression and emotion to each step they take on stage.
Conclusion:
Arm movement in ballet is called port de bras which consists of three main elements – placement, direction, and articulation – that help dancers maintain balance and momentum while dancing en pointe or on demi-pointe shoes; adding an extra dimension of expression and emotion to their performances on stage.