Bournonville Method - Characteristics

Characteristics

• The guiding principle of the Bournonville method is that the dancer should perform with a natural grace, dramatic impact and harmony between body and music
• Graceful epaulement, with the upper body usually twisting towards the working foot, to draw attention to and emphasise the movement.
• Lowered eye-line to give the impression of kindness, not raised with the expression of being proud.
• The eyes naturally follow the moving leg.
• Great attention is paid to the shape and placement of the arms. Arms are held in front of the body in all positions, so as to be anatomically correct.
• Feet are low in the cou de pied position, with the toe of the working foot behind the ankle of the standing leg.
• Pirouettes are performed with a low leg position, a result of the long skirts worn by ladies during his time.
• Bournonville method is noted for developing quick footwork, as required by Bournonville's choreography
• There should be no visible effort. Even the largest, most dramatic steps should be performed in an understated manner.
• There should be a visible contrast between the speed of the legs and the grace of the arms and torso. The legs are the rhythm, the arms are the melody