Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: Temps Levé in First Arabesque

How: A Temps Levé is a type of jump from one foot, landing on the same foot while the other leg is raised in a position in the air. In this, the raised leg is in Arabesque. An Arabesque describes the position where the dancer has one leg stretched directly behind them. The Arabesque that is demonstrated is a First Arabesque. Arabesques are defined by the position of the arms. A First Arabesque is where the dancer has the arm on the same side as the supporting leg (in this case, the leg doing the jumping) extended in front and the other arm to the side. This is a common step executed by both male and female dancers.

Tip: Don’t forget to stretch the supporting leg in the air. In the excitement of pushing

off the floor, sometimes it’s easy to forget to stretch right up to the tips of the toes.

Dancer: Alvin Dictado, Ballet Manila 2

Location: Malate Church