Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: Piqué in First Arabesque

How: There are a few ways to get into this position. In this case, the dancer has done a piqué (meaning to prick) into First Arabesque. This is where the dancer transfers their weight onto a fully stretched leg on pointe (in picture) or demi-pointe. 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 extended to the side. The dancer depicted is in First Arabesque.

Tips: When stepping into an arabesque, while tempting to “whack” into the position, try to keep the core lifted up and forward. At the same time, lift the back leg up keeping the back “connected” to your leg, as if there is a string connected to your back. The coordination of those actions will help pitch the weight forward on to the supporting leg and also help the balance of the arabesque. Ideally the legs and upper back should be evenly distributed like the top part of the letter “Y” for a better balance.

Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty, Act 1, Aurora’s Variation

Dancer: Joan Emery Sia, Principal Dancer

Location: Buendia Bridge