Ballet Hands

One (of many) wonderful things about ballet is that it involves your entire body, literally down to the tips of your fingers and toes.  But what ARE you supposed to do with your hands and fingers?  We spend so much time focusing on what our legs and feet are doing, and sometimes the hands get forgotten.

Holistic Ballet has a lovely video about how to hold your hands and fingers, in several different styles (yes, there are styles).  I really like her explanations and demonstrations.

Generally speaking, your hands should be natural and soft, with your thumb tucked gently inward, your wrist supported, and your palms oriented toward your heart.  Allow your hands to move as an extension of your arm movements, and use them to express the sentiment behind your movements.  Say it with your hands!