Body Alignment/Placement

Alignment is definitely something I put a lot of focus on when working in ballet. I believe that once I can find proper alignment in a position or movement, I can then better focus on the artistry of it. The biggest challenge I have with alignment is remembering to constantly correct any improper placement I have made a habit in my body. I can usually find correct placement, but remembering to constantly maintain it is when it becomes more difficult. Personally, I am working on trying to keep my arms and shoulders in correct alignment. I know that my arms sometimes fall out of alignment because I am usually more focused on the rest of my body and sometimes forget to give them the attention they need. I have also recently had more trouble with keeping my shoulders down while simultaneously keeping my abdominal muscles engaged. I have been working on getting this feeling back into my body so it can become more natural again. Overall, I find alignment to be the basis of all movement in ballet and am working on trying to make it feel as comfortable as possible in my body.