Pet peeve: don't lead with your chin

There are many ways of learning or performing a cambre forward, colloquially known as "port de bras." Cambre is more technically correct because cambre just means bend, which we can also do to the side and back.

Joy Recital by Trish Fawver, CC license

There are many ways to bend forward. Or not at all.

Too often I see dancers lead with their chins as they go toward the floor rather than turning their head to the side like they are peering under their arm. Chin-leading also can crop up in pirouettes (or its converse, chin pulling-back).

Here are my hints for a pleasing-to-the-eye and easy-on-the-body cambre:

Going forward (or en avant) -
1. As you begin the bend at the waist, keep the arm outstretched in second position so it extends away from the center of the body.
2. Turn your head toward your arm as if you are laying your cheek against a table, lining up the chin with the inside of the elbow.
3. Maintain the position of the head relative to the arm as you bend farther forward.
4. When you reach the lowest point you can go, you will be twisted so can see the side (or back) of the room.
5. At this point, gather the arm that was in second to what would be a fifth position if you were upright and feel as if you are connecting the top of your head with the palm of your hand. At this moment, you can turn your head so you face your ankles.
6. Then in one movement, reach your hand away from your body and pull yourself back to a standing position, maintaining the same head/arm alignment and space as you do so.
7. Once in an upright position, open the arm to second.

Happy dancing~