Arms are often a neglected part of the human body with regard to dance. Unless classically trained, the arms often refuse to obey commands and conspire to be independent from both brain and music!

To train the arms one must understand a little about arm carriage, how and where arm movements originate, and how to discipline the arms within the dance. Being 'arm aware' is often a stumbling block for beginners

If you think of the arm as being attached to the shoulder, and the shoulder being attached to the breastbone, then you are on the way to discovering where arm movements originate. The breastbone in turn is connected to the ribcage, and the control and lifting of this area of the body is where your arm control begins.

Confused? Don't be.

Try standing relaxed, with your arms loose at your sides. Breathe in and relax. Breathe in again and lift your rib cage. As the rib cage rises, so your arms will move slightly backwards and up. As this happens, keep the movement going, follow it through until your arms are lifted to shoulder level. By engaging the chest in this way, all your arms movements will be more controlled and fluid, rising, as they should, from the centre of your body rather than being dragged clumsily upwards via the hands.

The arm is divided into three main areas of movement control. From shoulder to elbow is firm and strong. From elbow to wrist is soft and flowing. From wrist to fingers is fluid and melting.