Monday, December 2, 2013

Monday Musings: The Rule of Èpaulement






Monday Musings:   The Rule of Èpaulement
The word ‘èpaulement’ literally means ‘shouldering’, and it is this angling of the head and upper body that adds interest and dimension to a dancer’s movements.  In my post about Flat Stanley, I talked about correct body facings, and èpaulement adds yet another level of complexity- especially for the beginning student.
The rule of èpaulement is simple:  the head angles (inclines) toward the foot that closes in front (usually in fifth position). Another way of thinking about it could be the reverse:  the head inclines toward the foot closing in front, and away from the foot closing in back.  Either way, the result is the same.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #5d 
“The Rule of Èpaulement:  the head angles (inclines) toward the foot that closes in front (usually in fifth position).”
 

                Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”
-          Paul Brandt

 

                Help expand the knowledge base!

 Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

 

No comments:

Post a Comment