Third Arabesque: Definition, Biomechanics, and Functional Benefits

What is third arabesque?

Third arabesque is a sophisticated ballet position characterized by a specific alignment of the body, arms, and lifted leg, creating an elongated and expressive line, often with a distinct upper body twist known as épaulement.

Understanding the Arabesque in Dance and Movement

The term "arabesque" originates from ballet and refers to one of the fundamental poses, signifying a body position in which the dancer stands on one leg (the supporting leg) with the other leg (the working leg) extended straight back and lifted from the floor. The arms are held in various elongated positions, creating the longest possible line from the fingertips to the toes of the working leg. This pose is celebrated for its elegance, length, and the illusion of effortless suspension. From an exercise science perspective, the arabesque is a complex, multi-joint movement that demands significant strength, flexibility, balance, and proprioceptive control.

Defining Third Arabesque: Position and Biomechanics

Third arabesque is one of several variations, each distinguished by the precise placement of the arms relative to the working leg and the orientation of the torso.

The Classic Definition of Third Arabesque:

• Working Leg: The leg is extended derrière (to the back), typically en l'air (in the air), ideally at 90 degrees or higher, with the knee straight and foot pointed. The hip of the working leg is usually turned out, though the degree can vary by style.
• Arm Placement:
  • The arm opposite the working leg is extended forward, creating a long line.
  • The arm on the same side as the working leg is extended to the side, often slightly behind the shoulder line, creating a sense of opening and contributing to the épaulement.
• Torso and Gaze: The torso typically exhibits a strong épaulement, meaning a slight twist or turning of the shoulders and head, creating a diagonal line through the body. The gaze often follows the forward hand, enhancing the feeling of extension and direction.

Key Anatomical and Biomechanical Considerations:

• Hip Extension: Primarily driven by the gluteus maximus and hamstrings of the working leg. Achieving a high arabesque requires excellent active hip flexor flexibility in the standing leg and passive hip extension mobility in the working leg.
• Spinal Extension and Stability: The erector spinae muscles are crucial for maintaining an elongated, upright torso and preventing excessive lumbar flexion. Core muscles, particularly the transversus abdominis and obliques, stabilize the pelvis and spine, preventing anterior pelvic tilt which can lead to lower back strain.
• Scapular Stability and Shoulder Girdle: The rhomboids and trapezius muscles stabilize the scapulae, allowing the arms to be held in their precise, elongated positions without tension in the neck or shoulders.
• Balance and Proprioception: The single-leg stance demands activation of intrinsic foot muscles, ankle stabilizers (peroneals, tibialis anterior/posterior), and hip abductors (gluteus medius, minimus) of the supporting leg to maintain equilibrium.

Distinguishing Third Arabesque from Other Arabesque Forms

Understanding third arabesque is clearer when contrasted with its counterparts:

• First Arabesque: The arm on the same side as the working leg is extended forward. The other arm is to the side. The body is often more en face (facing directly forward) or with less épaulement.
• Second Arabesque: The arm opposite the working leg is extended forward, and the arm on the same side as the working leg is extended to the side (similar arm placement to third arabesque), but the body typically faces more en face or slightly to the corner, with less pronounced épaulement than in third arabesque. The line is generally more open to the audience.
• Third Arabesque: Distinguished by the épaulement and the specific arm line where the arm on the same side as the working leg is often slightly behind the shoulder line, contributing to a more twisted, dynamic, and expansive line. The gaze typically follows the forward arm, emphasizing the length.

Functional Significance and Benefits in Movement Science

Beyond its aesthetic appeal in dance, the third arabesque offers substantial functional benefits from an exercise science perspective:

• Enhanced Postural Control: Strengthens the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, spinal extensors) and deep core stabilizers, improving overall upright posture and spinal health.
• Improved Balance and Proprioception: The single-leg stance challenges and refines balance mechanisms, enhancing spatial awareness and the body's ability to react to shifts in equilibrium.
• Increased Hip Mobility and Flexibility: Actively and passively stretches the hip flexors of the supporting leg and develops active range of motion in hip extension for the working leg.
• Body Awareness and Coordination: Requires precise coordination of multiple body segments, fostering a deeper understanding of one's body in space.
• Application Beyond Dance: The principles of arabesque (core stability, hip extension, balance, spinal elongation) are transferable to various athletic endeavors, injury prevention, and general fitness, contributing to a more resilient and functional body.

Proper Execution and Common Challenges

Achieving a technically sound and aesthetically pleasing third arabesque requires meticulous attention to detail and consistent practice.

Key Cues for Proper Execution:

• Grounding and Lift: Feel firmly rooted through the supporting foot while simultaneously lifting the body upwards from the crown of the head.
• Core Engagement: Actively draw the navel towards the spine to stabilize the pelvis and prevent excessive arching of the lower back (lumbar hyperextension).
• Pelvic Neutrality: Strive to keep the pelvis as level as possible, avoiding tilting or hiking the hip of the working leg, which can compromise spinal alignment.
• Shoulder Depression: Keep shoulders relaxed and away from the ears, using the back muscles to support the arms.
• Elongation: Focus on creating a continuous, unbroken line from the fingertips of the forward arm, through the torso, to the pointed toes of the working leg.
• Glute Activation: Consciously engage the gluteal muscles of the working leg to lift and sustain the leg, rather than relying solely on the lower back.

Common Challenges and Mistakes:

• Lumbar Hyperextension: Arching the lower back excessively to achieve a higher leg lift, leading to strain and potential injury. This often indicates insufficient hip flexor flexibility in the standing leg or weak core engagement.
• Anterior Pelvic Tilt: The pelvis tilting forward, again often a compensation for lack of hip extension or core weakness.
• Sinking into the Supporting Hip: Allowing the supporting hip to "sit" or drop, compromising balance and alignment.
• Tension in the Neck and Shoulders: Holding tension due to improper arm support or lack of scapular stability.
• Lack of Turnout: Insufficient external rotation of the working leg from the hip joint, which can limit the height and aesthetic line.

Conclusion: A Testament to Integrated Movement

The third arabesque is more than just a beautiful dance pose; it is a profound exercise in integrated movement, demanding a harmonious blend of strength, flexibility, balance, and precise body control. From an exercise science perspective, mastering this position cultivates a robust posterior chain, enhances core stability, improves hip mobility, and refines proprioceptive awareness. Whether for performance or for the pursuit of optimal physical function, the principles underpinning the third arabesque offer invaluable insights into efficient and elegant human movement.