Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

What: Sixth Port de Bras

Port de bras is a classical ballet term meaning “carriage of the arms”. While the term relates to a broad spectrum of arm movements, port de bras also includes the use of the head in relation to the arms. In the Vaganova method, there are six different grande port de bras which follow a series of specific arm, head and body movements. The dancer here is demonstrating a sixth port de bras, which is often done in an adagio. This port de bras begins upright, followed by a lunge as the demonstrated position by the dancer, then transferring the weight to the back leg (finishing standing in degage devant) as the dancer performs a circular port de bras around (bending from the torso side, back and around along with the arms). 

Tip: When performing a sixth port de bras, proper alignment should be maintained in the upper body when going into the first lunge. The spine should be kept long and straight with the head in line with the spine. 

Dancer: Emmerson Evangelio, Ballet Manila 2

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 2