Tips for a higher arabesque?

[sammyy223]

I would love to have a higher arabesque! My problem is I just can't seem to get any higher than 90 degrees. When I do a split against the wall while being fully turned out I am able to stand up straight so the problem does not seem to be flexibility. I think the problem is I need stronger muscles in my back so I can lift it to its full potential. Does anybody have any tips and tricks for strengthening my back and anything else that will increase the height of my arabesque without injuring my back?

[Victoria Leigh]

Welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers, sammyy223.

 

First, how old are you? Very often the full extension does not come until you have finished growing. However, there is also the possibility that you are not sure how to move your upper body and body weight forward and upward in order to allow the extension of the leg in back. That depends on your training. So, give us a bit of information about you, your age, and your training. That will help us help you.

[sammyy223]

I'm 14 years old. I danced for two years when I was 3 years old but had to stop because of a heart murmur. Then after my heart was healthy I started again when I was 7. My heart is no longer a problem. I started seriously taking ballet 3 times a week when I was 11. I started pointe one year ago. I now take ballet 3 times a week for 2 hours with one half hour of pointe each class. I am fairly tall at 5'7 but expect to be taller as I was a bit of a late bloomer.

[Victoria Leigh]

Okay, that helps. By 14 I would hope that you have more classes. The more hours per week that you dance, the faster changes will happen. The flexibility should start to come, if you are receiving good training, but the arabesque requires back flexibility as well as leg. It also requires that you know how to move your weight forward and upward, in opposition to the leg going backward and upward. I hope that your teachers have taught you how to do this.

[sammyy223]

My teacher tells me that I have the flexibility to do a high arabesque, I just don't have the strength to raise it to its full potential. Do you have any exercises for strengthening the back muscles?

[Victoria Leigh]

Strong abs help make strong back muscles, so, the ab exercises can help. However, at 14, you really don't have enough classes per week. Strength comes from taking classes, and from growth, as well as exercises. But the exercises you do in ballet class are a major part of developing that strength. Also, be sure that you understand what I was talking about above, in terms of HOW to move into arabesque positions.