What is the correct progression of port de bras in Cecchetti Grade 4 from at the barre to en face in the center?

What is the correct progression of port de bras in Cecchetti Grade 4 from at the barre to en face in the center?

• A. At the barre, port de bras moves from preparatory to 5th, then to seconde or first; in center continue the same shapes with smooth transitions, maintaining shoulder stability.
• B. At barre, port de bras remains static; in center continue same shapes.
• C. Port de bras is never used in Grade 4.
• D. Port de bras moves only after barre, not allowed in center.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how port de bras is built as a connected, controlled line from the barre into center. In Cecchetti Grade 4 you start with the arms in preparatory at the barre and gradually shape through the full range up to fifth, then arrive in seconde or first to set up the transition to center. This teaches you to feel a continuous arc rather than lifting or resetting the arms abruptly.

When you move to en face in the center, you carry those same shapes and the same smooth transitions, just facing forward and adapting to the center space. The goal is to keep the arm lines long and rounded, the shoulders relaxed and down, the ribcage lifted, and the movement seamless so the port de bras feels like one elegant, connected motion from barre to center.

Other approaches that stop the movement at the barre, claim port de bras isn’t used in Grade 4, or suggest you only work the shapes after barre don’t align with the syllabus’ emphasis on a continuous, progressive arm line and the stability of the shoulders during both barre work and center work.