Short answer: What Is Port de Bras? Port de bras is a French term meaning "carriage of the arms." It refers both to the positions the arms take in ballet and to the flowing exercises that move the arms through…
What Is Port de Bras?
Port de bras is a French term meaning “carriage of the arms.” It refers both to the positions the arms take in ballet and to the flowing exercises that move the arms through these positions. Expressive, well-trained arms frame the body, enhance leg lines, and communicate emotion to the audience. Beautiful port de bras takes dedicated practice — it is not automatic.
The Arm Positions in RAD Ballet
- Bras bas (Preparatory position): Both arms hang in a low, rounded oval in front of the body. Hands slightly in front of the hips, palms facing each other, fingers lightly curved. The starting and resting position from which most combinations begin.
- First position (arms): Both arms raised from bras bas to a rounded oval at approximately waist height. Elbows slightly higher than the wrists; hands level.
- Second position (arms): Both arms extend to the sides at shoulder height, softly rounded, palms facing the floor.
- Third position (arms): One arm raised above the head; the other extends to second. Used in many barre combinations and adage exercises.
- Fifth en haut: Both arms raised overhead in a rounded oval, framing the face. Arms should be in front of the head, not falling behind it.
Qualities of Good Port de Bras
- Softness: Elbows never locked; wrists flowing; fingers gently curved, not stiff or splayed
- Weight: Arms have a sense of gentle weight — they float rather than feeling rigid or floppy
- Connection to the back: Arm movement initiates from the back and shoulder blades, not just the hands
- Coordination: Arms move with the head and épaulement (shoulder placement)
Common Mistakes
- Raised or tense shoulders (shoulders should remain down and back)
- Straight, locked elbows
- Wrists dropped below the line of the arms
- Fingers too stiff or too widely spread
- Arms moving without connection to the back
Port de Bras as a Class Exercise
In ballet class, “port de bras” also refers to specific exercises that practise arm carriage — moving through a series of positions combined with inclinations of the head and spine. These appear at the barre and in the centre and are part of the RAD syllabus at all levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does port de bras mean?
Port de bras means “carriage of the arms” in French. It refers both to the positions arms take in ballet and to the flowing exercises that develop expressive, coordinated arm movement.
How many arm positions are there in ballet?
The RAD teaches five core arm positions: bras bas, first, second, third, and fifth en haut. The Cecchetti method uses seven. All are built on the same principle of soft, rounded, expressive arm carriage.
How do I improve my port de bras?
Release tension in the neck, shoulders, and elbows while maintaining lightness and movement. Practise in a mirror, use slow music, and ask your teacher for specific feedback.
When are arm positions introduced in ballet?
From the very first lesson — starting with bras bas. More specific and expressive port de bras exercises develop through the grades as technique advances.