Form and/or Function
Using a light and unstrained quality, the arms are moved in circular articulations, maintaining the distance between the torso and the hand. Port de bras and arm positions are used in preparation for an exercise as well as in combination with other movements e.g. a plié, to create choreographic complexity and contrasts in quality.
The RAD Grade 2 port de bras exercise in the centre, which we are exploring here, is very choreographic. It focuses predominantly on the performance and quality of the arms, whilst adding some change of facings and transfers of weight to increase the complexity.
Notes on our approach
Since the main focus of this exercise is the port de bras, we decided to introduce it in a sitting variation, initially leaving out changes of facings and transfer of weight that appear in the second half.
A closely shared sitting version was possible with this particular group of dancers. With a different diversity of dancers in a group, this choice would need to be reconsidered. The sitting position allowed all the dancers to focus on the details of the full arm gestures and challenged them to also be aware of how they held their torso and the connection between the torso and the arms. Chair height and an active sitting position were discussed with and adjusted for each dancer.
Exploration and Setting
The centre, low and high, centre, plié, port de bras introduction, centre, rotation and centre, tendu preparation are related to and prepared for this exercise. In the sitting/stationary set up it was possible to directly instruct this set version.
The RAD port de bras was further explored in a series of subsequent exercises before introducing the centre, port de bras, full version.
It is a good example of how the set RAD syllabus can be approached by introducing and working with distinct choreographic elements in multiple ways before learning the set choreography.
Score Elements
- The entire port de bras choreography set for RAD Grade 2 Ballet, performed sitting without the change of facings and transfers of weight.
Development
- Explore the change of facings and transfers of weight separately as a centre exercise
- Combine this travel variation with port de bras
- Introduce standing and transferring variation
Observation Tasks
- Compare the sitting down with the final version (centre, port de bras full version). What essential performance qualities do the dancers already master in the sitting down version.
