Technical Tuesday Triceps
A critical part of a ballet dancer’s beautiful arm positions
involves using the “underneath” muscles of the arms: the triceps. Correctly
called the “triceps brachii”, which is Latin for “three-headed muscle of the
arm), this muscle group is critical in classical ballet.
The triceps brachii are responsible for the extension of the
elbow and allows straightening of the arm. Dancers must learn how to use this
muscle group to shape the arm for correct classical ballet line.
The use of the triceps brachii is best seen in dancers when
the arm is in à la seconde. This position requires that the elbow face back
while the palm of the hand faces (mostly) front. This lift in the elbow is
achieved by using the triceps brachii. A lovely example of the use of this
muscle group is seen in the Dying Swan variation in today’s second Link of the
Day.
The “formula” for à la seconde position of the arms is: “elbow
back, palm front”, and this engages the triceps brachii.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Anatomical Secret #24f:
“Dancers use their
triceps to achieve correctly shaped arms.”
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