Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 3/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I was very impressed by your profile and would like to ask if you have any info or references with regard to movements in the oblique plane..I am conducting research and would like to use a ballerina/ ballet move that takes place in the oblique plane...Thank you for your help!

ANSWER: HI Fatima. This is an interesting question in relation to ballet.

Ballet positions are correct if the leg is either directly in front of, to the side, or directly behind the body. If a leg position is noted to be on the oblique plane, it would be incorrect.

One arm position on the oblique plane is an open fifth en haut (this is Cechetti language). The oval shaped high arm position (both arms) is opened, straightened softly,  and lowered to slightly above shoulder level, and brought slightly forward. So now the two arms are on the oblique plane. In a deep back bend, the arms can be opened from high fifth backwards, in the same manner, now being on the oblique plane behind the dancer. This is very common in the choreography for "Swan Lake".

Another arm position that ends up in the oblique plane is the lower fifth oval position of the arms. Both arms, or one arm, would be slightly raised, softly straightened, and brought forward to the oblique plane.

Hope that helps! All the best, Dianne

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your help!
Are there any other positions in which a ballerina twists her upper body? If you could please give me some info about this position as it is what would be best for an oblique plane. Thank you very much!!!!

Answer
There is a position in the Cecchetti Syllabus called "efface" or ay-fas-ay. It means "shaded". The dancer has one arm over the head, and is looking past the raised arm. The upper body is twisted toward the raised arm (toward the audience) and the upper hand would then be shading the top of the head from a light above.

"epaulement" (shouldered) is the same kind of twist. Used in certain jumps, for instance if the head is inclined and turned to the left, the left upper back twists forward, same on the right as the ballet position of the jump alternates side to side.

So in these positions the upper back changes the position onto the oblique plane. I hope you can visualize this!

All the best, Dianne