T-Arabesque
There are three variations to stand at the barre for T-Arabesque and depending on the population/level of your class will dictate to what variation you will pick. Most teachers will go for the most advanced move as this is what you see mostly in social media and videos. However, to do this correctly is very challenging due to the amount of shoulder stabilization and body awareness that’s needed to really facilitate the correct muscles and NOT over work the lower spine. We have to teach your class that it’s a total body exercise and not just about the lifted leg. Your body is working hard to be able to stabilize so that you can lift the leg.
Modification one:Stand facing the barre with the elbows bent and forearms resting on the barre. Shoulder blades are drawn down and your spine is extended so that the elbows are lower than the shoulder joint. Focus on the supporting heel directly under the public bone and the lifted leg is low.
Suitable for people who have shoulder issues as the elbows is under the shoulder joint. Baby boomers who can have limited shoulder flexibility.
Modification two:Stand facing the barre with the elbows bent and forearms on the barre. Place your forehead onto your forearms. Remember to open your elbows and slide the shoulder blades down your spine with no weight of your body into the barre. Lift up and out of the barre.
Suitable for ALL beginners and students with weak shoulder stability. This modification is where all bootybarre classes should start.
Modification three:Standing facing the barre with the arms fully extended in a slight v position, enabling you to draw the shoulder blades down your back. Ears are level with the biceps and your supporting heel is directly under your pubic bone. You can push with the working legs hand and pull with the supporting legs hand to keep you stable with the torso and hips facing the floor, Be careful to watch if your class starts to push away from the barre and move into a rounding of the spine as they get tired. If this keep happening then move them back to the #2 modified position, as they’re unable to stabilize in this position.
