Turn Your Leading Arm

Whether you pirouette en dehors (turning to the right on your left foot) or pirouette en dedans (turning to the right on your right foot) go ahead and use the right arm to initiate and complete the turn. When you turn to the right and fall to the right, it is because you are bringing your left side to the right. Divide your body in half: left side, right side. Learn to keep them apart—the left stays left, the right stays right. One side should lead the other. One side is more important than the other. First you do this, then you do that. For both turns to the right, first reach back and twist to the left, and leave it there. Then turn your right arm back and around to the completion. It doesn’t matter what leg you are on. As long as you turning to the right, lead with the right arm. And, vice-versa. And don’t forget to give the supporting knee a push past the toes and press the ball of your feet firmly to the floor. And, spot! Check out the video on inside turns: https://finisjhung.com/shop/pirouette-class-3/

Balance Your First Arabesque

The beauty of the arabesque depends on the correct placement of the head. The head must be centered on a high chest with energy going up the back of the neck. Stand in front of the mirror in first arabesque on the right foot. Your left arm is in second position, your right arm is extended forward defining the first arabesque position. Do not tilt your head to the right towards your right shoulder and arm. This is why you fall off forward when you attempt a piqué arabesque (stepping directly on the half-toe). When you pose in arabesque on your right foot, use your left arm for balance. Reach out and towards the back with your left arm as you extend your R arm forward. Keep your shoulders level with the floor as you press down on the air with both arms. Standing on the right foot, think of listening to the music with your left ear. The rule of balance: Ears Back!

Falling Over?

If you’re stumbling over your feet as you dance forward (pas de bourrée, piqué, tombé, chassé) it’s because you are leaning over your feet. Keep your head and chest high and reach back with your shoulders and arms. Think OPPOSITION: feet and legs forward; Ears, shoulders and at least one arm backward.

https://finisjhung.com/shop/basic-ballet-movement-skills-lesson-1/

#bigpicture #lifeisajourney #infinitepossibilities #fjballettechnique