Hand Positioning and Body Alignment at the Barre
Thuan, at Ballet Misfit, has another great video out, on the basics of hand positioning and body alignment while working at the barre. Thanks, Thuan!
- Your hand should be placed comfortably on the barre, in front of your body, with your elbow slightly in front of your torso.
- Your distance from the barre should be such that you are neither having to lean toward the barre to grasp it, nor crunched up too close to the barre with your elbow against your side.
- While holding the barre, avoid "the death grip." Your hand should be lightly resting on the barre, ideally with your thumb next to the rest of your fingers, on top of the barre.
- Don't be afraid to move your hand forward and backward along the barre, as your body moves forward and backward in space. Your hand on the barre should stay in front of you, to keep your body in the best alignment.
- For combinations when you feel like you need extra support from the barre, concentrate on pushing down on the barre with your arm and hand. Avoid leaning onto the barre, or pulling the barre toward you.