Characteristics
The overall illusion of the Balanchine method is that dancers are utilizing more space in less time, so that speed, height, length and a syncopated musicality are created.
Specific characteristics include:
- Extreme speed and very deep plié
- Emphasis on line, with use of unconventional arm and hand placement
- Pirouettes en-dehors taken from a lunge in 4th, rather than the conventional plié in 4th
- Distinctive arabesque line with the hip open to the audience and the side arm pressed back
- Athletic dance quality
Read more about this topic: Balanchine Method