What should the arms do during a grand battement at the barre?

What should the arms do during a grand battement at the barre?

• A. Keep the arms still by the sides
• B. Move in opposition as needed, staying rounded and connected to the torso; often crossing to 5th when returning
• C. Extend forward with the chest open
• D. Tuck the arms behind the back

Answer: (B)

In grand battement at the barre, the arms work as a counterbalance to the working leg. They move in opposition to the leg’s lift, staying softly rounded and connected to the torso so the body keeps elegant lines and proper turnout. As the leg rises, the arms follow in a natural arc, and on the return they often cross to fifth to finish the movement with a balanced, aligned line. This coordinated port de bras helps keep the spine stable and the chest lifted without tipping forward. Keeping the arms by the sides would weaken balance, extending the arms forward would crowd the torso, and tucking them behind the back isn’t a functional position for this exercise.

In grand battement at the barre, the arms work as a counterbalance to the working leg. They move in opposition to the leg’s lift, staying softly rounded and connected to the torso so the body keeps elegant lines and proper turnout. As the leg rises, the arms follow in a natural arc, and on the return they often cross to fifth to finish the movement with a balanced, aligned line. This coordinated port de bras helps keep the spine stable and the chest lifted without tipping forward. Keeping the arms by the sides would weaken balance, extending the arms forward would crowd the torso, and tucking them behind the back isn’t a functional position for this exercise.