What is the difference between 1st and 2nd arabesque?

First Arabesque: When the dancer is standing in the arabesque position with the supporting leg straight or in plié and working leg stretched long behind them either on the floor or lifted of the ground. Second Arabesque: Beginning in the arabesque position with the legs.

How many arabesque positions are there?

In the Vaganova method there are four basic arabesque positions. They are described here for a dancer facing point 8. In class practice, the arms are always level with the shoulders – arabesque de classe, whereas in performance the arm in front may be raised above shoulder level – arabesque de scene.

What are the different positions in ballet arabesque?

The Different Ballet Arabesque Positions. Arabesque is the name of a position in classical ballet in which the dancer stands on one leg and extends the other leg behind her. As she faces forward, she also extends the arm on the same side as her standing leg in front of her, and extends the other arm behind her.

How are the arms supposed to work in ballet?

In the third position, the arms work opposite the legs. If your right foot is in front, your left arm should be raised. Raise your left arm over your head, slightly forward. Round your right arm to the side at belly button height. Keep the palm of your hand turned forward.

What are the legs like in the second arabesque?

In the second arabesque the legs are like in the first arabesque, but the right arm is extended en avant while the left arm is extended a little behind the dancer’s shoulder; the shoulders are in épaulement in line with the arms and the gaze is turned to the audience.

Where does the gaze follow in the fourth arabesque position?

The gaze follows the line of the arm extended en avant. In the fourth arabesque position the dancer stands in croisé as for the third arabesque, but the right arm is extended front and the left arm is extended as far back as possible in line with the right arm.