Question About 3rd, 4th & 5th Arm Positions

[marecare]

I am studying from a book on Ballet. The book shows how one arm is raised above the head (from the 3rd into the 4th position). It then says that the student is to do the same with the 2nd arm. But it doesn't say whether or not to bring the 2nd arm around to the front and then raise it over the head.

 

I would like to know if the second arm is to go into the 3rd position (in front) before going into the 5th position?

[Victoria Leigh]

Hello marecare, welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers

 

I hope you are not trying to learn ballet from a book! As you have already discovered, a series of pictures does not give you the movement, like how to get from point A to point B. In the port de bras you are talking about, the second arm should move down to 5th en bas and up through 5th en avant to 5th en haut. (Bras bas through first position to 5th.)

[Redbookish]

Welcome to the Adult Students forum, marecare. Ms Leigh's advice is golden.

 

I note your location is New York. If you want to pursue learning ballet beyond the New York City Ballet Workout tapes, then you'll find a really rich array of wonderful teachers and classes for adults -- from beginners to professionals -- in New York city! Most of us from the rest of the world are very envious of the ballet world of New York City

 

Here are some threads with some useful information about ballet classes for adults in New York:

 

NYC Class level explanations

 

Good teacher in New York?

 

There are lots of others -- if you use the search facility of this message board you'll find lots of really good first-hand information.