Arabesque ~ French: [aʁabɛsk];

Literally translates to, “in Arabic fashion” in dance, and can be the epitome of grace and elegance onstage, creating unforgettable images — just try to imagine Giselle, Swan Lake or Balanchine’s Apollo without an arabesque –– it’s impossible!

Technically speaking, arabesque is one of the classic positions in ballet, where the working leg extends long behind the dancer on the floor (a terre) or in the air (en l’air), and the supporting leg is straight or in a demi-plié. Arabesque can be performed in several variations based on the position of the arms, creating a long line from the fingers to the toes.

First Arabesque: The dancer extends the arm of the supporting leg out in front at shoulder height or slightly higher, and the arm of the working leg to the side or slight diagonal back.

Second Arabesque: The dancer extends the arm of the working leg in front at shoulder height or slightly higher, and the arm of the standing leg out to the side or slight diagonal back.

Third Arabesque: Both arms are extended to the front about a foot apart. The arm of the standing leg should be lifted so that the hand is in line with the eyes or with the top of the head. The arm of the working leg should be in line with the shoulder or slightly lower.

Fourth arabesque: As with the third variation, both arms are extended to the front about a foot apart. The arm of the working leg should be lifted so that the hand is in line with the eyes or with the top of the head. The arm of the standing leg should be in line with the shoulder or slightly lower.

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How to Perform an Arabesque?

Warm Up –– Before beginning any position or pose, stretch, and warm up your body! This is essential to preventing pulled muscles or injury. In particular, spinal articulations, glute activations and hip flexor stretches can ease movement to the back.

Engage your turnout –– Whether you’re starting from first or fifth position, switch on those deep turnout muscles to control the rotation of your hip, remembering to keep your hips square to the front throughout this movement.

Shift your weight to the supporting leg –– Your supporting leg is the one that stays planted on the ground. The stability and strength of the standing leg is essential to give a strong base of support.

Extend your working leg –– In an arabesque position, your back leg is the working leg. Glide the working leg behind you, pointing your toe into position.

Lift your arms –– Raise your arms to the variation of your choice, imagining long lines extending from the fingers in the front to the toes at the back.

Support your core and upper body –– Ballet is all about connecting the body. Keep your shoulders down, back activated, soft ribs, core lifted and spine lengthened – creating space in the back for the leg to lift.

Lift your working leg –– Use your core and supporting leg muscles for balance as you lift and lengthen your working leg behind you. Make sure it does not sway out to the side, engaging your hip extensors (glutes and hamstrings) and back extensors (muscles that hold your back into an arch) to slowly lift the leg higher. It is important not to force the movement beyond where you can support your lower back, i.e. avoid “crunching into the lower back” as it can cause serious long-term injury to the spine.

Lean forward –– With both arms reaching through the air and your working leg stretched behind you, slowly adjust your weight forward for better balance. Engage your abdomen to control your upper body as you move, making sure not to collapse downwards but to keep your chest open instead.

And there you go! With practice of correct muscle activation you will no doubt fine tune your technique to a higher, longer and more beautiful arabesque line.

Keep reaching up and see you at the BalletBody studios!