Ballet Dictionary: Cambré
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Cambré
How: The classical ballet term Cambré means “arched”. A Cambré describes an arched movement of the upper body, bending from the waist upwards, and can be done forwards, backwards or sideways. In this case, the dancer is doing a Cambré back. A Cambré can be done in many positions: standing on one leg, two legs, on a plié, with stretched legs and many more.
Tip: To prevent and avoid injury, try not to “crunch” or “sink” in the back while bending backwards. The tendency of doing where the dancer also pushes the hips forward creates a distorted line and could lead to injury. To start arching back, lift the upper body out of the hips by engaging and lifting the abdominal muscles. Keep “growing” to your tallest and longest back vertically before arching backwards. This will keep your vertebrae long and separated (with space between each vertebra) to avoid “crunching” or “sinking” where the vertebrae are close and squished together.
Ballet: This is a very common movement for both males and females in class work and repertoire.
Dancer: Abigail Oliveiro, Principal Dancer
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3
