Arabesque Arms
pronunciation: air-ah-besk
translation: "in Arabic fashion"
The arabesque is first, second, or third depending on the position of the arms.
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First Arabesque: the arm that is on the same side as the supporting leg is extended out in front of the body, with the other arm extended side, towards the diagonal back, and slightly lower than the shoulder.
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Second Arabesque: the arm that is on the same side as the back leg is extended out in front of their body, with the arm on the side of the supporting leg to the side and diagonal back.
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Third Arabesque: both arms are extended in front of the body, with the arm on the same side as the supporting leg slightly higher than the other so the hand is anywhere between the top of their head to a foot above their head. The arm on the side of the leg in arabesque should never move higher than the shoulders.
Arabesque arms are used in other positions besides the arabesque. Two examples are the grand jeté and the saut de chat (image below), in which the first and third arabesque arms are most commonly used. Which arabesque arms am I using in the saut de chat?
