Mad Monday Counter Balance

Mad Monday Counter Balance

The correct placement of the head and upper body in classical ballet does more than make the dancer’s line look beautiful, although this is part of the purpose behind each prescribed position.

A reason that is seldom thought about is the fact that each position of the legs requires a counterweight in the head and upper body if the performer is to stay confidently upright. Also, the head is not a weightless object – it weights quite a bit and if it isn’t providing a balancing element, it is providing an un-balancing element. Scary.

For example, in croisé devant, the head position involves a one quarter turn with an incline, and there is a slight arch in the upper body. This effectively balances the weight of the leg when it is extended devant – not to mention that it makes the whole picture look good.

So remember that the positions of the upper body and the head aren't just for looks – they provide much more.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #9e:  

“In classical ballet, the correct placement of the head is important as a counterweight.”

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““Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.”
― H. Jackson Brown Jr., Life's Little Instruction Book: 511 Suggestions, Observations, and Reminders on How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life

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