Thread: Flattering arms for the plush dancer?

In the past year, I've put on quite a bit of weight, and my upper arms are much more chunky than they used to be. I'm now working on taking it off, but until then, I'm trying to adjust my dancing accordingly.

My main dance teacher likes to hold arms in a modified second position--out to the sides, with a slight curve (like holding a really large ball), palms facing down. I don't like this particularly, because I feel like it accentuates the flab where my muscles should be.

I do like to keep my arms closer to my sides, framing my body. I'm trying to brainstorm to find other arm positions that will be more flattering. Any ideas?

Hi Rachel! Another problem with second position is that it's very un-Egyptian! Watch some videos of your favorite Egyptian dancers, and you'll see that they rarely use it!

But, if you can't escape the Dreaded Second Position, try this: point your elbows toward the wall behind you rather than pointing your elbows toward the ground. That slight adjustment in positioning really firms up that upper arm and reduces the second-position jiggle!

I second Shiras advice. I tend to use 2nd position just briefly and always Always wear some kind of sleeves!!

Good stuff there...also in second position, try having the backs of the hands tilted facing each other (ever so slightly) instead of facing the ceiling. That adds a certain tension to the pecs and the flying squirrel area...how do you spell squirell?? Now thats frustrating!!!

I just wear long gauntlets or sleeves. Period. I can't imagine limiting my movement vocabulary just for the purpose of making sure my upper arms don't jiggle. I can't be thinking about that; I'm DANCING!

If you need gauntlets or sleeves made to go with something in particular, I so recommend L. Rose Designs. They have many options and will make things exactly to your measurements, including gauntlets exactly the length you want so they cover your entire arm. I love their stretch velvet ones with the "banded" top.

Rosette

Originally Posted by *Shira*

But, if you can't escape the Dreaded Second Position, try this: point your elbows toward the wall behind you rather than pointing your elbows toward the ground. That slight adjustment in positioning really firms up that upper arm and reduces the second-position jiggle!

I have tried this, and this particular teacher always corrects it. I personally, don't like the arm position she uses, because even when my arms were more toned I didn't think it looked flattering. I'm glad to hear that elbows-to-the-wall is not an incorrect position. I'll use the position she wants in class, of course, but when I'm dancing a solo, I think I reserve the right not to accentuate flab.

I will also be checking out more sleeved costumes. Thanks for the L. Rose suggestion. Those look like they'd be quite flattering.

Originally Posted by Rosette

I just wear long gauntlets or sleeves. Period. I can't imagine limiting my movement vocabulary just for the purpose of making sure my upper arms don't jiggle. I can't be thinking about that; I'm DANCING!

If you need gauntlets or sleeves made to go with something in particular, I so recommend L. Rose Designs. They have many options and will make things exactly to your measurements, including gauntlets exactly the length you want so they cover your entire arm. I love their stretch velvet ones with the "banded" top.

Rosette

Second this, down to L Rose.

Another thing I have that I just love is a Turkish vest with full, flowing sleeves in transparent fabric. I made that one myself, so I can't tell you where to find one. It makes me happy because it hides arms, backfat, underarm boobfat, or, if I need it that day, the straps for a body stocking. (much more secure than hooking it to a bra, IMO.)

But an L Rose U-top and gauntlets or armbands with chiffon drapes would also work. (would they make the U-top with full sheer sleeves, I wonder?)

Originally Posted by *Shira*

Hi Rachel! Another problem with second position is that it's very un-Egyptian! Watch some videos of your favorite Egyptian dancers, and you'll see that they rarely use it!

Common with beledi and folkloric eg Denise Enan, Aida Nour, Dr Mo Geddawi - but not held fixedly - either movement at elbow or wrist or a position to pass through.

Originally Posted by kashmir

Common with beledi and folkloric eg Denise Enan, Aida Nour, Dr Mo Geddawi - but not held fixedly - either movement at elbow or wrist or a position to pass through.

I was referring more to the crucifix position, which is something you don't see in Oriental very much. The arms might pass through it, but you don't hold them there for any period of time. Though I acknowledge that you'll see it in Reda-style grapevines.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

But an L Rose U-top and gauntlets or armbands with chiffon drapes would also work. (would they make the U-top with full sheer sleeves, I wonder?)

Yes, they will. That was the style of my first troupe costume, from LRose.

Originally Posted by rachelw

I have tried this, and this particular teacher always corrects it. I personally, don't like the arm position she uses, because even when my arms were more toned I didn't think it looked flattering. I'm glad to hear that elbows-to-the-wall is not an incorrect position. I'll use the position she wants in class, of course, but when I'm dancing a solo, I think I reserve the right not to accentuate flab.

I will also be checking out more sleeved costumes. Thanks for the L. Rose suggestion. Those look like they'd be quite flattering.

Huh, most of my teachers have corrected me if my elbows DON'T point to the back wall in that arm position.

[QUOTE=anala;322913]adds a certain tension to the pecs and the flying squirrel area.QUOTE]

Coffee, laptop; laptop, coffee ..l;,

Originally Posted by Rosette

I just wear long gauntlets or sleeves. Period. I can't imagine limiting my movement vocabulary just for the purpose of making sure my upper arms don't jiggle. I can't be thinking about that; I'm DANCING!

Rosette

Amen! If you are enjoying yourself and the audience can see the joy in your facial expressions and body movements, they are not going to be focused on your arms or any specific part of your body. I'm also preoccupied with my flabby areas so I let my costume choices help minimize my paranoia and then just try to have fun and dance.

Besides, keeping your arms close to your sides may actually make you seem "bigger" in a way. In my opinion, really stretching out the arms and creating nice long lines with your arms and legs tends to make a dancer seem taller, longer and more graceful. I'm only 5'4" so I know what I'm saying here! Just remember to keep the shoulders relaxed when you stretch out the arms--otherwise you end up with no neck. I have to constantly work on this tendency since I store tension and stress in my shoulders.

Spread your wings and fly! ..g.:

Have you thought of the long sleeves body stockings from Sugar Petals? They really hold in the arms, no flab, some of my students love them. They come down to a point with an elastic over your finger so it is a lovely line.

I have an echo as well and I always wear something on my arms to disguise it. My arms are a flailing mess when I dance but at least my echo is not in full effect!