Guided by Melissa McCabe, this class introduces foundational training in upper body awareness and port de bras. With an emphasis on control, posture, and expression, students learn to move the arms from a strong, supported torso rather than from the shoulders—building habits that will support all forms of dance.
The class begins with a gentle warm-up and progresses through exercises such as Beginner Plié to reinforce alignment, Expressive Hands to develop fine motor coordination, and Foundation Wing Control to establish the connection between the back and arm movement. Dynamic Body Resistance targets spinal support and core engagement in connection with leg extensions and turnout. The class concludes with a short warm-down to release tension and assist recovery.
Encourage smooth, relaxed arm phrasing, and reinforce spinal alignment and trunk stability throughout the session.
Preguntas frecuentes
How can I help students develop coordination in port de bras?
What’s the best way to cue spinal alignment in upper body exercises?
Why is it important to strengthen the upper body in early training?