Arabesque (ballet position)

Arabesque (French: [aʁabɛsk]) is a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one leg (the supporting leg) with the other leg (the working leg) extended directly behind the body with a straight knee. The arms can be held in various positions creating different lines and aesthetics. The arabesque is one of the most basic and traditional positions in classical ballet and is used to develop balance, strength, and poise.

History

The term arabesque is derived from a form of Moorish ornament and was used to describe the intricate patterns found in Islamic art. In the late 18th century, the term began to be applied to ballet, describing the extended pose of the dancer, which resembled the flowing lines of the Moorish design. The position was popularized by the choreography of Marius Petipa during the 19th century and has since become a foundational element of classical ballet.

Technique

In executing an arabesque, the dancer's supporting leg can be either straight or demi-plié. The working leg is raised behind the body and extended to form a long line from the fingertips to the toes. The height of the leg can vary, but it is typically extended at 90 degrees or higher for advanced dancers. The arms can be held in various positions, such as first, second, or third arabesque, which adds to the aesthetic appeal and difficulty of the position.

Proper alignment and balance are crucial in the arabesque position. The dancer must engage the core, maintain a straight spine, and focus on the placement of the hips, shoulders, and head. The supporting foot should be fully pointed, and the weight of the body should be distributed evenly over the ball of the foot.

Variations

There are several variations of the arabesque position, each with its own specific arm and leg placements. These include:

• First Arabesque: The dancer's front arm is extended forward, parallel to the floor, while the back arm is extended directly behind, also parallel to the floor.
• Second Arabesque: The dancer's front arm is the same as in the first arabesque, but the back arm is open to the side, creating a diagonal line.
• Third Arabesque: Both arms are extended forward, one higher than the other, with the face turned towards the lower arm.
• Fourth Arabesque: Similar to the third, but with the arms reversed, so the higher arm is the one closest to the leg in the air.

In Popular Culture

The arabesque position has transcended the world of ballet and has been featured in various forms of media and popular culture, symbolizing grace, balance, and beauty. It is often used in photography, figure skating, and gymnastics to convey elegance and poise.

See Also

• Ballet terminology
• Classical ballet
• Marius Petipa
• Ballet dancer