Expert: Connie - 7/24/2011

Question
Hi,
I did ask an expert once before about an arabesque but I deleted it on accident :(

I would really love to know how to do an arabesque (a high one) I can only get a 90 degree one :(, also a pirouette + without falling over!

Thanks very much! :)

Answer
90 degrees isn't bad!  I would work on strengthening your back by doing the "superman" exercise, where you lie on the floor on your stomach and then lift your arms and legs.  You can also try doing an arabesque with your leg on the barre, then lifting it and holding for 10 seconds.  Repeat this 3 times a day.  

Pirouettes are a complicated step and many things can throw you off and make you fall over.  Start by just balancing in retire.  Make sure your shoulders are over your hips which should be centered on your standing leg.  Keep your stomach in and your ribs together.  Try to keep the arch out of your back.  Balance in this position on demi pointe.  After you feel confident here you can start with one turn.  
Start in fourth position with 60% of the weight on your front foot and 40% on your back.  Push strongly off your back leg and bring your arms together at the same time.  Spot your head.  Work on a single and then add more turns from there.

Let me know if I can help with any more questions you have!