Which term refers to the basic arm alignment in ballet?

Which term refers to the basic arm alignment in ballet?

• A. Temps levé
• B. Demi-pointes
• C. Port de bras
• D. Cinquième position

Answer: (C)

Port de bras describes the carriage of the arms to create a clean, graceful line from shoulder to fingertip. It covers how the arms are held—shoulders relaxed, elbows softly bent, wrists flexible, and fingers lightly rounded—so the arms sweep smoothly through the positions and movements. This sets the standard for the basic arm alignment in ballet, independent of the feet. The other terms refer to different ideas: one is a jump, another means standing on the balls of the feet, and the fifth position is a specific foot placement, not the arm itself.

Port de bras describes the carriage of the arms to create a clean, graceful line from shoulder to fingertip. It covers how the arms are held—shoulders relaxed, elbows softly bent, wrists flexible, and fingers lightly rounded—so the arms sweep smoothly through the positions and movements. This sets the standard for the basic arm alignment in ballet, independent of the feet. The other terms refer to different ideas: one is a jump, another means standing on the balls of the feet, and the fifth position is a specific foot placement, not the arm itself.