Head Positions and Great Aunts
In classical ballet, the position of the head is specific to whatever step is being performed, and/or whatever port de bra is being executed. Unfortunately, all too often the head positions seem to be taught as an afterthought, presumably because there are so many other things that need to be addressed.
The head is either straight (perpendicular) to the shoulders; turned (chin over the shoulder); inclined (ear to the shoulder); or most often, a combination of turned and inclined. The turn of the head is usually a one quarter turn when combined with an incline.
I tell my students to think of what they do when they are inclining and turning their head to allow Great Aunt Matilda to kiss them on the cheek. The image of offering one’s cheek to be kissed is one that usually produces an immediate, correct inclination/turn of the head.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Secret #9a:
“A dancer’s head is either straight, turned, inclined; or most often a combination of turned and inclined.”
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->- <!--[endif]-->Abigail Adams
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