The technique behind 5th position of the arms in ballet
The basic premise of 5th position of the arms is that the dancer is forming a circle with the arms around the head, to create a frame for the face.
Sounds easy? If only it was!
We have discussed previously that in rounded arm positions, the upper arm is working hard to support the circular shape, so that a perfect curve is made - with no prominent joints (elbow/ wrist) or breaks in the line.
This is no different in 5th (5th en haut) - the upper arms are held BACK, opening towards the ears, and are held strongly from the upper back. We have to work to keep the shoulder line open at the edges and the shoulders pull DOWNWARDS, into the back.
(If the elbows fall forwards in 5th position this weakens the shape, and prevents the upper back from working correctly).
The hands should be held in front of the forehead (NOT directly above the top of the head!) so that if you lift your eyes slightly they are visible, with the palms facing away from the audience.
And on top of all that, remember to maintain the shape of the hands…… the thumb lies along the line of the middle finger, the fingers are relaxed, and the width of the gap between the fingers is approximately the width of your chin.
(….Deep breath….)
A lot to think about? Classical ballet technique is challenging - but practising in the correct way, with the necessary thought processes, results in the dancer creating positions and movements that are natural to perform and a delight for the audience.
I hope this helps - enjoy your port de bras!
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