How to Perform an Arabesque in Ballet

An Arabesque works your lower back and legs, and is very helpful in learning proper ballet posture. Before you practice an Arabesque, you may want to refer to the series of eHow articles that outline the five positions of ballet. An arabesque can be performed while the feet are in any of the five positions, but this article calls for fifth position. Please familiarize yourself with fifth position before reading this article. This will help you focus on the task at hand.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ballet barre or chair
• Ballet slippers (optional)
• Leotard and tights (optional)
• Mirrored wall (optional)

1. Begin in fifth position facing the barre.

2. In order to properly distribute your weight, place only two fingers on the barre.

3. Roll shoulders up, down, and back, tuck rear end under, and tilt chin slightly upward.

4. Slide feet into fifth position, with your right foot in the back.

5. Keep your posture and slowly lift right leg straight behind you. Concentrate on keeping your torso upright and keeping your leg turned out at the hip (knee facing to your right). You should feel a slight pinch in your lower back.

6. Once your leg is perpendicular, hold this position for as long as you can.If this is too easy, try the following modifications: raise your leg a bit higher, rise up to demi-pointe, go on pointe, lift arms above barre, or raise arms above head in fifth position.

7. Close feet into fifth position. Slide left foot into back. Repeat.