Ballet Épaulement.

I've had many students ask me to clarify what I mean when I ask them to use their épaulement (ay-pohl-MAHN) while dancing.  Correct épaulement, or placement of the head and shoulders while dancing, can mean the difference between looking like a student and looking like a refined dancer.


Épaulement requires that the dancer angle his or her head .   I often say to "offer one cheek forward, as if presenting it to receive a kiss."   Exceptions, of course, are the écarté positions, where the head is turned either toward the elbow (devant) or away from the arms completely (derriere).  

Below is an illustration of the correct épaulement, dependent on the position of the body.  The position that is labeled quatrieme (fourth) is also referred to as en face (opposite [the audience]).


The sooner you memorize the positions of the head and shoulders, the sooner you can start incorporating them into your dancing!

Here are a few more links:
The Importance of Epaulement, Dance Spirit Magazine, 2008
American Ballet Theatre Ballet Dictionary

Here's a clip from American Ballet Theatre's production of Le Corsaire.  Watch how effectively the ladies use their head and arms in conjunction with the rest of their movement.


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