How to shape your arms in Bras Bas
Bras bas (‘low arms’) is a ballet dancer’s ‘home’ position - from where we usually start an exercise, and to where we usually return at the end. Like returning to base.
It’s a comforting, reassuring position, which should always have a feeling of being ‘held’ - the arms forming a perfect circle, and the hands in position in front of the thighs. The edges of the shoulders are open, and the elbows and wrists follow the line of the curve (we mustn’t allow angled joints to distract the eye!)
As we’ve discussed previously, the upper arms work hard when we make our ballet positions and this is no different in bras bas - the elbows are held forwards (imagine that if you turn sideways, you could slip a ruler between your elbow and tummy) BUT…. (there’s always a ‘but’!) at the same time we have to work HARD to keep the shoulders in place - retaining that feeling of the shoulder-line being ‘open’ and the shoulder blades gently pulling down the back.
Turning to the hands - the palms face upwards (imagine you’re balancing a pound coin on the middle two fingers of each hand!) and the width of the gap between the two middle fingers is around the width of your chin. No spiky fingers, and the hands are relaxed in position (‘ahhhh….’)
As you can see, there’s lots to bras bas - but if you get the position right when static, you will move through it with ease and grace as you journey through your ballet class.
Enjoy your practise!
Do you have questions about your arm positions in ballet? Drop me a note through my contact form - I’d love to help you!
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