Arabesque Lifts
An arabesque is a classic ballet step. It also makes for a really great workout! Pull the stomach in tight and lengthen through the neck. Stretch both knees long, turning the front toe out slightly. Extend one leg long behind you and lift the opposite arm up and out. Pulling the abs in, lift the back leg off the floor and bend the standing knee. Keep the core engaged and do not arch the back. Hold for 8 counts, lower the back leg to the floor, stretching the front knee and repeat 8 times. Stretch and change sides.
Attitude Lifts Back
Begin in a tendu arabesque position as with the first movement, pulling the stomach in tight and extending one leg behind on the floor, this time keeping the feet turned in, in parallel. Bend the front knee, lengthen through the neck and bend the standing knee. Lift the back leg into an attitude position, bending the knee and keeping the hips turned in as you lift both arms up above the head. Hold here for 8 counts. Lower and repeat 8 times. Stretch and change sides.
Attitude Lifts Side
Begin standing in sixth position with the toes and knees together (hips turned in). Slide one leg out to the side, bending forward over the standing knee. Pull the stomach in and slowly lift to standing, bending the working knee as you bend through the upper body and waist. Lower and lift the arms and pull the core in tight to engage. Do not arch the back. Repeat 1-2 sets of 8, stretch and change sides.
Miranda and Mary Helen recently did a Ballet Beautiful workout on Wellness Wednesdays with Miranda. View the full workout here.
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Mary Helen trained at Manhattan’s prestigious School of American Ballet before being invited to join the New York City Ballet at age 16. Mary Helen danced for a decade with New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and on stages around the world before founding Ballet Beautiful.
Mary Helen personally trained Natalie Portman for her Award winning role in Black Swan, bringing ballet fitness into the spotlight as never before. At the heart of the Ballet Beautiful method is Mary Helen’s expertise, and the exquisite grace, beauty and strength that are the essence of a ballerina’s form.
Ballet Beautiful’s transformative online classes and life-changing Custom Workout subscription are beloved by members in over 130 countries around the world.
