2 3 Mad Monday Ribs | Ballet Webb

Monday, November 9, 2015

Mad Monday Ribs


Mad Monday Ribs

The position of the arms in fifth en avant (first), is critically important. This position is used during the preparation for turns and jumps, so having it correctly placed means the difference between a successful turn or a not-so-successful turn (or jump).

There is a very specific place for the arms in fifth en avant. The hands are level with the lower half of the rib cage. Some schools of training even teach it in front of the belly button. Both are correct. 

What is not correct is having the hands level with the bust line, or (gasp!) the collar bones (clavicles).
When the arms are too high, the neck becomes strained and the back tends to arch. You can see why the technique dictates that the arms stay level with the rib cage. Like most things in ballet, the rules were created because they make everything work effectively. I love it.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Ballet Secret #6cc:  
“ The arms in fifth en avant (first) are level with the lower ribs – not the bust line.”

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