Which term describes the movement of the arms in ballet terminology?

• A. Footwork
• B. Carriage of the arms
• C. Rotation of the spine
• D. Elevation of the heels

Answer: (B)

Carriage of the arms describes how the arms are carried and moved to create graceful lines in ballet. In Cecchetti terminology, it covers the shape and flow of the arms from the shoulders through the elbows and wrists to the fingertips, including the softness of the joints and how the arms coordinate with the upper body. It specifically pertains to arm movement, not to the feet or to twisting of the torso or to rising on the feet. Footwork is about steps, rotation of the spine refers to turning the torso, and elevation of the heels relates to rising on the feet. So the movement of the arms is described by carriage of the arms.