Summary
A quick, focused lesson on how a ballet dancer holds their hands and fingers. Sarah shows the correct placement and explains how soft, well-shaped hands finish the beautiful lines we see in classical ballet. A handy warm-up detail for dancers of any level.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Talk about it
- How are ballet hands different from the way you usually hold your hands?
- Why do the fingers stay soft instead of stiff or floppy?
- How do the hands change the lines your arms make?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: port de bras (carriage of the arms), line, soft fingers.
Try it: Follow along, then hold a ballet hand while you slowly raise one arm from your side to in front of you.